OBITUARY

JOHN MARSDEN

Another good man gone .
John started his footplate career as a cleaner at Skipton . After the Depot closed he transferred to Leeds Holbeck as a Fireman , and gained his Drivers job at Blackburn in 1968 .When made redundant again just 2 years later John came south to sunny Ramsgate in 1971 and must of liked the sea air as he settled and retired at Ramsgate . In Johns last few days Arthur Walkiden another of our retired members visited John in the Thanet Hospice , there John mentioned to Arthur that he was due his 50 year medalion . With the help of our wonderful Admin department who arranged for Johns badge to be sent to me , we hoped that John would be fit enough to attend our reunion at Ramsgate so we could make a presentation . Unfortunatly John passed away just the day after it arrived , but Mick Neary managed to get it to Johns son who was extremely proud to receive it on Johns behalf .
My favorite memory of John was sitting in the mess room on the night that Major was re elected . The telly on during shunts showed one grinning tory after another winning their seats , and with it we knew that Privatisation of the Railways would soon follow . John summed it up a treat for me as silence settled on the mess room “Well it looks like we have a fight on our hands now , and if that’s what they want that’s what they will get “ . We could do with a few more John Marsden,s today !

Ron Barnett

It is my sad duty to report the passing of retired member Ron Barnett . Rocket Ron as he was known to many , due to the fact that he was always cutting it very fine , as he always had time for a chat with everyone .I have been wondering how in a few short words I do justice to Ron . Well im not sure I can as he was a diamond . A few years ago at the Ramsgate RMS reunion , which Ron and his wife Brenda organised so well , Ron told me that he and Brenda were starting a club for all the retired Railwaymen at Ramsgate . He Had seen the wife of a retired colleague and asked how he was . Just sitting in his chair waiting to die was the answer . Ron said “ that aint no good , we cant have that “ . “All those years on the footplate he should be enjoying his retirement “. So the Dinosaur club was born , organising Bingo Nights and many holidays throughout the year . One of the last activities was a sponsored walk in aid of the Thanet Hospice which over the years has cared for many of our members , and indeed Ron himself . Over £2000 was raised a magnificent achievement .
At Rons funeral I heard someone sum up Ron perfectly “ A wonderful man who just wanted to make people happy “

Thanks to John Julian for this letter

Tony Harris