Tributes paid to Humberston Parish Councillor Ken Forman
TRIBUTES have been paid to a dedicated parish councillor and family man from Humberston who has died, aged 86.
Ken Forman, of St Thomas Close, passed away at peacefully in his sleep at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, on Friday, March 15.
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Special times: Ken and Joyce Forman celebrating their golden wedding at their home in St Thomas Close, Humberston in 1998.
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Honour: The then retiring chairman of Humberston Parish Council John Webb, right, handing over the insignia to the then newly elected chairman, Ken Forman, at Wendover Hall, Humberston, in 1998.
The father-of-two had served as a Humberston Parish Councillor – including a stint as chairman – for more than 10 years.
His son, Nik Forman, 53, said: "Everybody who has heard what has happened has described dad as a lovely man and a true gentleman.
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"People had a great deal of respect for him because he always treated them fairly and cared about their best interests.
"He wasn't just a father to me, he was a friend.
"He raised my brother and I in such a way as that we never wanted for anything, but we weren't spoilt because we knew the value of hard work and money. I think that is an admirable way to raise a family."
Born in Cooper Road, Grimsby, Ken lost both his parents by the age of 12 and he and his brother were raised by an auntie.
He attended Welholme and Carr Lane schools before starting work as a tyre fitter at Norris The Rubberman, in Grimsby.
After his national service in the Army in 1945, looking after military vehicles in Italy and Egypt, Ken returned to Grimsby.
He later became a tyre salesman at North Lincolnshire Tyres, in King Edward Street, before becoming area manager and company director for Associated Tyre Specialists. Ken remained with the firm until he retired at 65, managing branches throughout Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire and establishing the Immingham branch.
He met Joyce in 1944 and the pair married at St James' Church, Grimsby, in 1948. They had two children – Kerry, 62, and Nik. Grandchildren on Kerry's side of the family are Rachel, 31, and Tim, 29, and on Nik's side are twins Olivia and Charlotte, 22.
His widow, Joyce, 84, said: "He was a family-orientated man.
"Because he lost his own parents when he was so young, his children and family were the most important thing to him.
"Being a councillor was something he always wanted to do because he enjoyed helping people and achieving things.
"Even when he was working as a tyre salesman, he would always be honest and tell people if their tyres could last another few months to save them money.
"That was how he became such a popular businessman and had so many repeat customers."
When he wasn't working or representing residents on the council, Ken also served as a school governor at Cloverfields Primary School and a Freemason. He was a member of Smyth Lodge and Daylight Lodge.
He was also well-known for posing as Father Christmas at local schools and events.
A funeral service will take place at St Peter's Church, Humberston, next Tuesday, at 2pm, followed by a cremation at Grimsby Crematorium.
An afternoon tea to celebrate Ken's life will then take place at the Masonic Hall, in Cambridge Road, Grimsby.
Donations in his memory should be made to the Salvation Army.
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