OBITUARY - Nigel Robert Jessup, Eye

A thanksgiving service for the life of Nigel Robert Jessup, of Castleton Way, Eye, was held at SS Peter and Paul’s Church on January 20.

The Rector, the Rev Dr Guy Sumpter, officiated and Colin Bartlett was organist. Country music by John Denver was played before and after the service.

Nigel, who died on January 2 aged 78, leaves a widow, Gwen, a son, Robert, two daughters Joanne and Rachel, and two grandchildren, James and Chloe.

Nigel was born to Charles and Florence Jessup at the Uplands, Eye, in 1937, and remained a resident in the town. In spite of being brought up in the wartime years he had many happy childhood memories of the times spent with his brothers and sisters.

After leaving the high school he had varying jobsover a career spanning more than 45 years. He worked as postman, cycling the country roads to deliver mail in all weathers. He also worked as a farm labourer at Moor Hall for the Saunders family and was employed by the council as a painter and decorator. Later he transferred to the chicken factory, then known as Pollastra and later Sovereign Chickens, but his main occupation for 30 years was at the Hatchery, in Occold, where he became maintenance man and, in later years, gardener.

Gardening made up a large part of Nigel’s interest, providing fruit and vegetables for his family for many years. His other hobbies included sea fishing and a love of aeroplanes.

He met Gwen in the former King’s Head public house in Eye and they married at Eye Register Office in March, 1968.

His daughter Rachel in her tribute said her father was at his happiest when he was pottering at home and in his garden. In his retirement he spent many hours tending his home, taking pride in everything he did.

Donations in memory of Nigel are being given to the British Heart Foundation.