Obituaries
This page lists obituaries for current and former officers and members of staff. Information is sourced from the force Welfare department who deal with the pension arrangements for these officers. This means there can be delays between the death date, when Welfare is informed and when the obituary is published.
We do our best to publish obituaries the same day as Welfare inform us and in time to make arrangements to attend the funerals.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague George Cartledge who retired as a Supt in 1987 he had transferred from South Yorkshire Police and then served at HQ CID. On retirement he re-joined as a support staff member in HR at Headquarters. He passed away on the 28 July 2022 aged 89 years.
The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 23 August at 1.15pm at Colchester Crematorium.
Family flowers only donations to ‘Royal Free Charity Fund 24’ (Amyloidosis research Centre) send to Free post Royal Free Charity.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague James Pearce who retired as a Constable in 1994 and served at Witham & Chelmsford. He then re-joined as a support staff member as a civilian driver to Chief Officers. He passed away on the 20 July 2022 aged 82 years. He leaves a widow Iris.
The funeral service will take place on Monday 22 August at 15.30 hrs., at Chelmsford Crematorium.
Family flowers only donations to the Alzheimer’s Society, c/o East of England Co-Op Funeral Services, 115B Newland Street, Witham, Essex CM8 1BE.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague James Dwyer who retired as an Inspector in 1990 and served at Brentwood, Chelmsford, Rayleigh and Hutton. He leaves a widow Jean.
He passed away on the 17 July 2022 aged 86 years.
Family advised no funeral is taking place.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Dennis Johnson who retired as a Sergeant in 1988 and served at Rochford, Laindon, Southend & Rayleigh. He passed away on the 13 July 2022 aged 88 years. He leaves a widow Margaret.
A thanksgiving service will take place on Wednesday 17 August at 12.00 hrs at Rochford Congregational Church, North Street, Rochford, a cremation will take place earlier that day at Southend Crematorium.
Family flowers only donations to Fairhavens Hospice, c/o J. W. Tate & Son Funeral Directors, 20 North Street, Rochford, SS4 1AB
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Dave Ware who retired as a Constable in 1997 and served at Witham & Braintree. He re-joined as a support staff member and worked in the Crime Bureau. He passed away on the 4 July 2022 aged 66 years.
The funeral service will take place on Friday 29 July 2022 at 13.30 hrs., at the Three Counties Crematorium, High Garrett, Braintree, Essex.
Family flowers only donations to the ‘British Heart Foundation’, c/o Daniel Robinson & Sons Funeral Directors, 7 Manor Street, Braintree, Essex CM7 3HW.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Derek Fuller who retired as a Constable in 1993 and served with the River Police, Tilbury, Grays and East Tilbury. He passed away on the 26 June 2022 aged 88 years. He leaves a widow Audrey.
A private family funeral will take place on the 25 July 2022.
No flowers please donations to the Salvation Army c/o L. E. Brand & Sons, Stanford Le Hope, 26-28 High Street, Stanford Le Hope, Essex SS17 OHG.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Frederick Hagon who retired as a Sergeant in 1971 and served with the Colchester Borough. He then re-joined as a support staff member in CID Admin. at Colchester until his retirement in 1991. He passed away on the 18 June 2022 aged 97 years.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday 21 July 2022.
Family flowers only donations to St. Helena Hospice, c/o Hunnaball of Stanway, 8 Chapel Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex CO3 OPU.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Sharon Hunter who retired as a Constable in 2003 and served at Basildon, South Woodham Ferrers, and Force Control Room. She passed away on the 17 June 2022 aged 52 years. She leaves a widower Robert.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday 14 July 2022 at Colchester Crematorium at 1.15pm.
No flowers please donations to Cancer Research UK, c/o J. K. May of West Mersea, Blackwater House, 51 High Street, West Mersea, CO5 8JE
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Trevor Crosby who retired as a D/CInsp in 1997 and served in Scenes of Crime, Chelmsford and Rayleigh Traffic. He passed away on 3 June 2022 aged 73 years. He leaves a widow Gillian.
A private ceremony will take place at Chelmsford Crematorium for close family members, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Three Rivers Gold and Country Club, Cold Norton at 2pm on Friday 1 July. All are welcome to attend Celebration of Life.
Family flowers only, donations to Farleigh Hospice Donations - AG Smith Funeral Directors (agsmithfunerals.co.uk) c/o A. G. Smith Funeral Directors, 7 Spital Road, Maldon, Essex CM9 6DY.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Keith Southgate who retired as a Ch/Supt in 1994 and served at Tilbury, Grays, Harlow, Headquarters, CID, Rayleigh and Basildon. He passed away on the 26th May 2022 aged 78 years. He leaves a widow Kathleen.
The funeral service will take place on Monday 13 June at 3:30pm at Colchester Crematorium.
Family flowers only, donations to Cancer Research c/o J. K. May of West Mersea, Blackwater House, 51 High Street, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex CO5 8JE.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Sydney Batten who retired as a Sergeant in 1983 and served at Brentwood, Ingrave, Grays and South Ockendon. He passed away on the 9 May 2022, aged 95 years.
The funeral service will take place on Monday 6 June at 11.40am at Southend Crematorium.
Family flowers only, a collection will take place at the funeral service for any donations.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Terry Dobbyn who retired as a Constable in 1999 and served at Basildon, Grays and Saffron Walden. He passed away on 6 May 2022, aged 68 years.
The funeral service will take place on the Thursday 30 June 2022 at 1.30pm at Three Counties Crematorium, Braintree, Essex CM7 5PB.
Floral contributions or donations to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, c/o Daniel Robinson & Sons Funeral Directors, 7 Manor Street, Braintree, Essex CM7 3HW.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Leslie Bramhill who retired as an Inspector in 1994 and served at Rayleigh, Traffic, Benfleet, Basildon, Grays and Billericay. He passed away on the 2nd May 2022 aged 78 years.
The funeral service will take place on Friday 20th May at 12.30 hrs at Pitsea Crematorium.
Family flowers only donations to ‘Alzheimer’s Research UK’ c/o S. Stibbards & Sons Ltd., 4 Common Lane, Hadleigh, Benfleet, Essex SS7 2RN.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Michael Pearce who retired as a Constable in 1988 and served at Saffron Walden & Newport Village. He passed away on 13 April 2022 aged 93 years.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday 12 May at 11.00 a.m, at the Cam Valley Crematorium, CB10 1FE.
Family flowers only donations to either ‘EACH’ (East Anglian Children’s Hospice) or the British Heart Foundation c/o Peasgood & Skeates, 45 Moorfield Road, Duxford, Cambridge CB22 4PP.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Keith Steven Jones who retired as an Inspector in 2006 and served at Colchester and Chelmsford. He passed away on the 16th April 2022 aged 65 years. He leaves a widow Bernice.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday 26th May 2022 at 14:30 hrs at the Three Countries Crematorium, Halstead Road, High Garrett, Braintree, Essex CM7 5PB.
Family flowers only donations to Peritoneal Malignancy Research Fund c/o Co-op Funeral Services, 89 Wimpole Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2DB.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Richard Harrington who retired as a Constable in 1997 and served at Basildon. He passed away on the 15th April 2022 aged 79 years. He leaves a widow Jane.
A private family funeral only service will take place in due course.
Family flowers only donations to ‘EACH’ (East Anglian Children’s Hospice) c/o Peasgood & Skeates, Shire Hill, Saffron Walden, CB11 3AQ.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague David Robinson who retired as a Constable in 1989 and served at Pitsea, Halstead, Marine Unit at Grays, Dedham, & Copford. He passed away on 2 April 2022 aged 84 years. He leaves a widow Elizabeth.
The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 11 May 2022 at 14:00 hrs at Colchester Crematorium.
Family flowers only donations to ‘Woodland Trust’ c/o Hunnaball of Colchester, 41 Mersea Road, Colchester, Essex CO2 7QT.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Malcolm Porter who retired as a Constable in 2004 and served as a traffic officer based at Rayleigh, Billericay, Laindon and Saffron Walden. He passed away on 27 March 2022 aged 76 years.
The funeral service will take place on Friday 6 May 2022 at Chelmsford Crematorium, South Chapel at 2.30pm.
Floral contributions c/o T. Pennack & Sons, 1-3 Maldon Road, Gt Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 7DW.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Peter Whatling who retired as a Constable in 1984 and served with the Southend Borough & Traffic. He passed away on the 26 March 2022 aged 89 years.
The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 27 April 2022 at Southend Crematorium at 11.40 hrs.
Family flowers only donations to ‘Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis’, c/o
F.P. Guiver & Sons, 416 Rayleigh Road, Eastwood, Leigh on Sea, Essex,
SS9 5PT.
Celebration of the life of
Ian James Hunter
25th April 1939 – 26th March 2020
It is 2 years since Ian’s death, and now, at long last, it seems possible that we may be able to go ahead with the planned celebration of his life.
A service has been arranged to take place on Saturday 11 June at 2.30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Wivenhoe, followed by afternoon tea at Wivenhoe Sailing Club. Please bring your favourite stories, or memories of Ian, written on a card.
We will display these for people to read at The Sailing Club and collect afterwards as keepsakes.
If you wish to join the family for tea at The Sailing Club, would you kindly e-mail [email protected] or phone 01206 824939 by 30 April, as this will assist in assessing numbers for catering. If you cannot attend and wish to contribute a memory, please use the same contact details.
There is no need to wear black. Please wear what you feel is appropriate. We do not wish this to be a sombre occasion, but a true celebration of Ian’s life.
Your presence is more than enough, but, if you wish, cash donations can be made to” RNLI” and “WaterAid” after the service. Any proceeds to be equally divided between the two.
Donations can also be made after the service to J. J. Smith Funeral Directors, St. Mary’s Works, Mersea Road, Colchester, CO2 7RL.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague John Wright who retired as a Sergeant in 1984 and served at Hornchurch, Abridge, Harwich, Hutton & Clacton. He passed away on 21 March 2022 aged 87 years. He leaves a widow Marion.
The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 3 May 2022 at Weeley Crematorium at 14.00 hrs.
Family flowers only donations to either ‘British Heart Foundation’ or ‘Essex Wildlife Trust’, c/o Lesley Barlow & Family, 98 Station Road, Clacton, Essex CO15 6AA.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Timothy Crux who retired as an Inspector in 2012 and served at Basildon, Brentwood, Harlow, Ongar, Epping & Headquarters. He passed away on 20 March 2022 aged 68 years. He leaves a widow Helen.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday 14 April 2022 at Treswithian Downs Crematorium, Camborne, Cornwall at 13.00 hrs.
Family flowers only donations to ‘The Brain Tumour Charity’ c/o David Hendy Funeral Services, Treswithian, Camborne, TR14 7NW.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Derek Harris who retired as a Constable in 1975 and served with the Metropolitan Police, and the Southend Borough. He passed away on 19 March 2022 aged 93 years. He leaves a widow Doreen.
The funeral service has already taken place.
Donations if desired to ‘Water Aid’, c/o F. P. Guiver & Sons Ltd.,
641 Southchurch Road, Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 2PN
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Russell Bush who retired as a Sergeant in 2014 and served at OPC, MSD, Strategic Change Management, South East Division, Southend, IT, Braintree and Basildon. He then re-joined as a Support Staff Member in ANPR. He passed away on the 13th March 2022 aged 56 years. He leaves a widow Sue.
The funeral service will take place on Monday 25th April 2022 at Chelmsford Crematorium, South Chapel at 1.30pm, followed by a wake at The Angel Pub, Chelmsford, CM1 7AH.
Family flowers only donations to the ‘British Heart Foundation’ c/o Co-Op Funeral Directors, 78 Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1SS.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague John Randall who retired as a Sergeant in 1997 and served with the Southend Borough, Basildon, Brentwood & Canvey. He passed away on 7 March 2022 aged 74 years. He leaves a widow Margaret.
A private family cremation will take place in the morning followed by a ‘Celebration of Life Service’ at the Methodist Church, Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, Essex on Monday 11 April at 13.00 hrs.
Family flowers only donations to ‘Erb’s Palsy’, c/o A. R. Adams Funeral Directors, 117 High Street, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7QA.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Frank Ruggles who retired as a Sergeant in 1999 and served at Braintree, in the Support Unit at Chelmsford and Stanway Traffic. He passed away on the 19th February 2022 aged 79 years.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday 31st March 2022 at Weeley Crematorium, at 12.30pm
Family flowers only donations to Prostate Cancer UK, c/o Funeral Directors Hunnaball of Colchester, ‘York House’, 41 Mersea Road, Colchester, Essex CO2 7QT.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Daniel Torrance who retired as a Sergeant in 2017 and served at Wickford, Pitsea, Basildon, Lakeside & Grays. He passed away on the
6th February 2022 aged 58 years. He leaves a widow Marilyn.
The funeral service will take place on Friday 11th March 2022 at Southend Crematorium at 16.00 hrs followed by refreshments at the Beach Hut in Southend.
Family flowers only donations to Fairhaven’s Hospice c/o Co-Op Funeral care,
27 Glendale Gardens, Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 2AT.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Keith Wilkins who retired as a Constable in 1993 and served at Upminster & Colchester. He passed away on the 5th February 2022 aged 80 years. He leaves a widow, Susan.
A private family funeral service will take place on Saturday 26th February 2022.
Family flowers only donations to R.N.L.I, c/o D. R. Roberts Funeral Directors, Aber Road, Bont Y Castell, Aber Road, Llanfairfechan, LL33 ONR.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Alan Bennett who retired as a Constable in 1996 and served at Basildon, Chelmsford, FSU and Gt. Dunmow. He passed away on the 30th January 2022 aged 82 years. He leaves a widow Linda.
The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 16th March 2022 at Chelmsford Crematorium, South Chapel at 11.30am.
Family flowers only donations to Alzheimer’s Research UK, c/o East of England Co-operative Funeral Services13-15 Market Hill, Maldon, Essex CM9 4PZ
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Richard Soward who retired as a Sergeant in 1998 and served with the Southend Borough, Rayleigh & Westcliff. He then re-joined as a Support Staff Member and served another 20 years in OPC and Strategic Change Directorate and retired in 2021. He passed away on the 30th January 2022 aged 76 years. He leaves a widow Patricia.
The funeral service will take place on Monday 21st February 2022 at
10.40 am at Southend Crematorium, followed by a ‘Celebration of his Life’ at the Boat Yard, 8-13 High Street, Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 2EN.
The family would love you to share some memories of him with them by sending them an e-mail.
The family kindly request that, instead of flowers, a donation can be made that will go to Southend Hospital Chemo Unit where he spent time as a day patient over the years. Donations can be made via the Just Giving page they have set up.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Paul King who retired as a Constable in 2002 and served at Tilbury, Grays and Scenes of Crime. He passed away on the 1st January 2022 aged 75 years. He leaves a widow Roisin.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday 27th January 2022 at 2pm at Blessed English Martyrs Church, 62 Cemetery Rd, Mexborough, South Yorkshire S64 9PN.
Family flowers only donations to ‘Weston Park’ (Cancer Hospital) c/o J. Millward & Son Funeral Directors, Doncaster Road, Mexborough, South Yorkshire S64 OJD.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Kenneth Light who retired as a Constable in 1989 and served at Rochford and Clacton. He passed away on the 31st December 2021 aged 78 years.
The funeral service will take place on Monday 24th January 2022 at 11.45am at Weeley Crematorium.
Family flowers only donations to ‘R.N.L.I.’ c/o Leslie Barlow & Family Funeral Directors, Station Road, Clacton on Sea, Essex, CO15 6AA
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Colin Hance who retired as a Constable in 1999 and served at Clacton and Harwich. He passed away on the 29th December 2021 aged 76 years. He leaves a widow Gillian.
The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 1st February 2022 at 11.45am at Weeley Crematorium, Weeley, CO16 9JP.
Family flowers only donations to Alzheimer’s Society, c/o Harwich & Dovercourt Funeral Service, 8 Oakley Road, Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex CO12 5QR.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague James MacDonald who retired as a Chief Inspector in 1985 and served at Romford, Saffron Walden, HQ’s, Basildon & Billericay. He passed away on the 26th December 2021 aged 87 years. He leaves a widow Mavis.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday 17th February 2022 at
11.00 am at Colchester Crematorium.
Family flowers only donations to either the British Heart Foundation or Cancer Research c/o East of England Funeral Services, 98 The Commons, Prettygate, Colchester, Essex CO3 4NW
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Donald Knight who retired as a D/Insp in 1983 and served at Colchester, Clacton, Chelmsford, Ockendon and Grays. He passed away on the 26th December 2021 aged 89 years.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday 27th January 2022 at 10.30am at West Suffolk Crematorium.
Floral contributions c/o Meredith & Greengrass Funeral Directors, 2 Hospital Road, Bury St Edmonds, IP33 3JT.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Anthony Ward who retired as a Constable in 1988 and served at Saffron Walden, Ashdon, Castle Hedingham and Halstead. He passed away on the 24th December 2021 aged 90 years. He leaves a widow Janet.
The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 2nd February 2022 at 10.15am at Bury St Edmunds Crematorium followed by refreshments at Bury St Edmunds Golf Club.
Family flowers only donations to ‘St Nicholas Hospice’ c/o East of England Co-Operative Funeral Services, 16 Cornard Road, Sudbury, CO10 2XA.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Richard Mason who retired as a D/Insp in 2007 and served at Chelmsford, Colchester and Crime. He passed away on the 16th December 2021 aged 69 years. He leaves a widow Anne.
The funeral service took place in France on the 22nd December 2021 where they were living at the time.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Gary Minors who retired as a Constable in 2010 and served at Colchester, Braintree, FSU, Chelmsford, Stansted Airport & Chelmsford Traffic.
He passed away on 22 October 2021 aged 63 years. He leaves a widow Yvonne.
The funeral will take place on Thursday 18 November 2021 at 11.45 at Colchester Crematorium.
Family Flowers only, donations c/o John J. Smith F. Directors, Mersea Road, Colchester, Essex CO2 8RT.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Norman Britcher who retired as a Sergeant in 1996 and served at Colchester, Basildon, Southminster, Saffron Walden and Harlow.
He passed away on the 15th October 2021 aged 80 years. He leaves a widow Patricia.
The funeral will take place on Friday 19th November 2021 at 13.30 hrs at St Marys Church, Wendens Ambo, Saffron Walden, Essex.
Family Flowers only, donations to Alzheimer’s Society c/o H. J. Paintin Ltd., 43 High Street, Linton, Cambridge, CB21 4HS
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague John Smith who retired as a Sergeant in 1979 and served with the Cambridgeshire Constabulary and then transferred to Harlow. He passed away on the 3rd October 2021 aged 90 years. He leaves a widow Marian.
The funeral will take place on Monday 8th November 2021 at Fenland Crematorium, Knights End Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 OYJ.
Family Flowers only donations to Ely Funeral Directors, 30 Fore Hill, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4AF.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Eric Card who was medically retired as a Constable in 1964 and served with the Southend Borough. He passed away on the 21st September 2021 aged 90 years. He leaves a widow Jean.
The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 6th October 2021 at
14.00 hrs at Beetham Hall Crematorium, Cumbria, LA7 8BQ.
Family flowers only, donations to Alzheimer’s Society c/o Fishwick Funeral Service, Beetham Hall, Cumbria LA7 7BQ.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Chris Houlding who retired as a Constable in 2010 and served at Basildon, Rayleigh Traffic, Chelmsford, Sandon and Laindon Dog Section and Central DIU before retiring on 30 November 2010. He passed away on 10 September 2021 aged 60 years. He leaves a widow Barbara.
The funeral service will take place on Friday 8 October 2021 at Greenacres Colney, Watton Road, Norwich, NR4 7TY followed by refreshments at Nufeeld, Eagle Lane, Ingworth, NR11 6PL.
The service will be streamed live by the following link;
User name: soti9099
Password: 561656
Family flowers only, donations to Macmillan Cancer Support c/o Shayne Stork
Family Funeral Services,104-106 Sprowston Road, Norwich, NR3 4QW
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Ronald Holloway who retired as a Sergeant in 1996 and served at Basildon, Colchester, Harlow, Epping, Ongar & Scenes of Crime at Chelmsford, Headquarters. He passed away on the 23 August 2021 aged 73 years.
The funeral service will take place on Monday 27 September 2021 at 2.40pm at Southend Crematorium.
Family flowers only, donations to MS Society c/o J. W. Tate & Son Funeral Directors, 20 North Street, Rochford, Essex SS4 1AB