LAPHAM, Victor Edward George – Passed away peacefully at St. George’s Hospital in London, England with his family at his side, on Thursday, November 21st, 2019 at the age of 83. Vic will be lovingly remembered by his wife Betty; his children, Peter (Elisha), Carol (John) and Tracey; his grandchildren, Jade, Katelyn, Kyle, Morgan and Kenzi. Sadly, Vic is predeceased by his daughter, Lesley; parents, Violet and Ted; and sister, Doreen. He will be dearly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends in the UK and Canada.
Vic was born at Guys’ Hospital on April 9, 1936 and grew up in London with his parents and younger sister Doreen. He was evacuated to a chicken farm in Bedford during the war at a young age, but it was back in London at the age of 13 where he met and fell in love with Betty. Vic married the love of his life on March 29, 1958 and children soon followed. Lesley was born June 3rd, 1959, Peter April 10th, 1964, Carol January 23rd, 1969 and Tracey June 18th, 1972.
Vic loved being a dad, happily doing whatever was asked of him, playing chauffeur to his children and their friends. Holidays were spent in the Isle of Wight where he enjoyed summer activities and entertainment with his family for many years. Tragically, they were devastated by the loss of their daughter Lesley on April 14th, 1976 at the age of 16. She was dearly missed over the years but was always in his heart. Thankfully, Dad had the proud honour of walking both Carol and Tracey down the aisle and attending Peter’s wedding in Canada. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than sharing all of life’s greatest moments with his family.
Vic has always loved children, babies especially. So, to say he was an amazing granddad would be an understatement! His first granddaughter Jade was the light of his life. He had the honour and privilege of watching her grow into a lovely young lady who was by his side until the very end. His granddaughters Katelyn and Morgan loved their granddad tremendously despite living across the ocean in Canada. Thankfully they were able to share many happy memories including a trip to Disney and the “mandatory stop” at the arcade when he’d visit Niagara Falls. His one and only grandson Kyle always brought a twinkle to his eye as he beamed with pride each time he spoke of him. Kenzi was the last granddaughter to come along but she still managed to have granddad wrapped around her little finger. He loved his grandchildren with all his heart and made sure they knew. They will dearly miss his Donald Duck voices, cuddly toys, endless playful teasing and will forever hold him in their hearts.
Betty and Vic have had many dear friends over the years, too many to mention. However, they were blessed with friends like Yvonne and Bob Taylor who became part of the family after a lifelong friendship. They were always so grateful for the love and support from the Taylor family over the years.
Vic was a champion boxer in the Army Cadets and was called to duty in Kenya by the Royal Army Ordinance Corp at the age of 18. He began working at the age of 14 and spent the next 60 years with Marco’s Refrigeration, Smith Meters and the Gas Board before a much-deserved early retirement at the age of 54.
Vic was an avid Crystal Palace supporter and loved sport of all kind. He loved his games as well - darts, bingo, arcade games, iPad games and small bets on the horses. He was a devoted member, Captain and President of his local Green Bowls Club for over 20 years with his wife at his side.
Betty was truly Vic’s whole world. They were lost without each other and lovingly bickered away as you do when you know your heart belongs to someone so completely. Neither of them did anything without the other and they wouldn’t have had it any other way. After 61 years of marriage your whole life is one another. Vic and Betty endured both good times and bad. So, it is with the saddest of hearts that she will say goodbye to her husband one last time.
Funeral Services will be held at noon on Friday, December 6th, 2019 at South London Crematorium, Rowan Rd Streatham, London, UK.
Vic has blessed us all with his love and will never be forgotten as he lives on through his family and dear friends.
We ask you to share your memories, photos and condolences on this memorial page as a tribute to his life and those he loved most.
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