John (known as Jack) Norden

John Spencer Norden (known as Jack) born Granville, Sydney Australia. Arriving in uk age 1. Goodall Road Junior School Leyton. Left school at 14. Butches Boy - delivering meats on Sunday with no extra pay, relying on tips. Joined The Royal Egineers age 18. (Chatham) After his cousin Georges' reccommendations. War declared 1939. Jack fought at Dunkirk. Travelled to India 1942. (Enjoyed India) After the war based in Germany with The Control Commission, where he met his wife Hildegard. Married in Northeim, St. Sixtie Church. Returned to England, New Malden, Hemsby Road Chessington and Oxford Close Fareham raising three daughters, Christine, Ingrid and Denise. His beloved wife Hilde (susse- meaning sweetheart) died after keeping her illness a secret. The only secret they did not share. We think this was mainly due to the forthcoming birth of their second Grand daughter and previous check ups proved benign. Jack was never the same. He only had eyes for his Susse. He was a complex man, quite stubborn but very moral and very generous towards his own family. He enjoyed visiting the family and enjoyng nice meals. He enjoyed his weekly visits to The George Pub in Cosham atop of Portsdown Hill and in earlier days walking down the hill with Mable (golden retriever) to return to his younger daughters house for a roast dinner. Dad was a little like Miss Haversham in the fact his house had remained untouched/cleaned with no fridge, central heating for over 23 years! When Jack had his first fall and was admitted into hospital a mammoth clean-up took place with all hands on deck! Becoming frailer over the years and unable to attend his Granddaughter Sophies wedding, Jacks health deteriorated. Admitted again into hospital and spending his last weeks of life being cared for by Denise and Don. Daughter and son-in-law, never being able to return to his old home. Jack received wonderful care over the years from all care services, even our local Doctor visited him without an appointment - just to see how he was. Dad was getting too weary and age 94 he died. Jack leaves behind his three daughters and three Granddaughters, Lauren, Sophie and Melissa and Mabel now 16. Jack is now with his most beloved wife Hilde (susse). God Bless you both.

John (known as Jack) Norden

Share your memories