Kenneth Nightingale “Ken”

“As long as we live, he too will live. For he is now a part of us, as we remember him.”

Ken passed away in the care of ward 18, Leighton Hospital on the 3rd November, aged 88 years.

Kenneth was a devoted husband of Doreen, dearly loved Dad of Helen and cherished Grandad of Emma and Sophie.

Kenneth Nightingale was born in Crewe, and lived here all his life. He had three older sisters and, as the youngest child and only boy, he was doted on by his parents and had a really happy childhood.

After school he began at Crewe works as an apprentice copperworker. After doing 2 years of National Service in the RAF he went on to work at Crewe works until he retired.

Ken and Doreen met at Crewe Town Hall – Doreen had gone out dancing with a group of girls. They were married on 13th July 1957, and had 63 years of happily married life together, being never far apart from each other if they could possibly help it.

They had one daughter, Helen. They have always been a close, loving family, and Helen has wonderful memories of her Dad when she was young. He would always include her in everything that he was doing – if he was gardening, she would have her own trowel and some seeds to plant. If he was decorating, she would have her own small bit of wall to paint. Helen says that she learnt so many skills in this way, and would not be the person she is today if not for her dad.

As well as a devoted husband and dearly loved Dad, Ken was also a much loved brother-in-law and uncle, and a cherished Grandad to Helen’s daughters Emma and Sophie. He took slightly early retirement when Helen had her first child and spent a lot of time with his granddaughters when they were growing up, often looking after them during the week and collecting them from school.

They have lovely memories of his sense of humour and his jokes – saying “where’s you bin” when it was time to collect the wheelie bins and always saying “zipadee-doo-dah” when zipping up their coats. Later on when they told him things in confidence he would say “zipadee-doo-dah” as he zipped his mouth shut.

He taught Emma and Sophie to ride bikes in the old college carpark and Emma remembers doing jigsaws with him – he was always really patient.

The whole family enjoyed going on day trips to Wales, to Llandudno and Prestatyn, and Doreen and Ken also travelled to lots of other lovely places including Torquay, Newquay and Yarmouth. Basically, Ken loved the sun! He would often sit outside with his top off, there are man`y photos to demonstrate this…

Ken’s interests included football – he saw every Alex game he could and also watched as much football on tv as possible. Doreen became an expert too! He also loved his garden and was really excited by technology and new gadgets. He enjoyed playing with Doreen’s new wheelchair with movable arms a lot, and bought an iPad to watch Helen’s graduation.

Ken was a really helpful man, who would do anything for you. Many of the cards that the family received say “what a kind gentleman”. He was contented and relaxed, and really happy with his lot. The family feel very lucky to have known him and to have been loved by him.

He will be dearly missed but lovingly remembered by all his family and friends.

A service to celebrate the life of Ken will be held at the Crematorium Chapel, Crewe on Tuesday 17th November at 10.45am, followed by cremtaion.

For any further information please contact our funeral home on 01270 584447.