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An
obituary by Percy Potts -- KOYLI/2LI -
On Receiving news of
Lofty: -
I was contacted a short time ago by the nephew of Lofty Walker
who informed me of his death in B.A.O.R. (British Army of the
rhine)
Lofty (he was 6'3") joined us in 2LI at Colchester from DLI/4LI
where he had been Bugle Major.
We became very good friends and he was best man at my first
wedding.
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image
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On leaving the Army he was unemployed for about 3 years before
getting work as an MOD security guard in BAOR.
After feeling unwell he was admitted to hospital where he was
diagnosed with terminal cancer. He died within the week, a
mercifully swift end.
His only request was that no one was to be told of his illness
until he had died.
His nephew will inform me of the funeral arrangements, which
will probably be in a week or so in Sunderland, once Micks
remains are returned from Germany.
Percy.
******************************
Says : -
Percy Potts
I attended the funeral on Friday 14th September 2007, in Sunderland.
The DLI
association did him proud. Guard of honour outside the church
and the crematorium, with association standards present.
The DLI presence inside the church was obvious, with standard
bearers flanking the coffin.
You may be interested to know that one of the standard bearers
was BRIAN McKIETH M.B.E. who was with us in 2LI for a long
time.
I have to say he was looking old for his years, but
still had a firm handshake and ready laugh. One of the members
of the guard outside the church was TONY LYNN, he looked in
good fettle in spite of being the recipient of 2 metal hip
joints.
Apart from these 2, there were no others I knew. The vicar
spoke some moving words in tribute to Lofty, and 2 buglers
played last post and reveille.
All in all a very moving ceremony which was also attended by 2
of his workmates from BAOR.
A sad day seeing off an old friend, and reminding us of our
own mortality.
I have some photos of Lofty, given to me by his Nephew. I will
get the missus to put them on here because I don't know how
the hell to do it.
I have no doubt that he is teaching Saint Peter and the
heavenly choir a few bugle calls as we speak.
He led a worthwhile life, may he rest in peace.
Percy
Cede Nullis
*******************
Les Parkin ex Bugler
(KOYLI/2LI)
I first met Lofty when he was a bugler - He was in the Durham
light Infantry then, We were on the Royal Tournament
together in 1966 - Pete Bate, Lofty and I were the three
tallest and in the front tank of the massed bands of the light
division.
It was a great time -
The next time I met him was in Northern Ireland, he was a
Platoon Sjt in D Coy in Colchester, I went to Northern Ireland
direct from Colchester after a course in Wales.
He was a great Plt Sjt - took me under his wing, which I
appreciated - had a good tour with him Belfast.
Real sorry to hear of his death --
**********************
Doc Halliday (ex 3 LI)
I was really sorry to hear about Lofty I thought he was a
great bloke and a fine mess member he had a wicked sense of
humour and it is a sad day for the LI.
Regards Doc
*********************
Jim Whitehead (ex KOYLI/2LI)
Lofty was a boy D L I soldier at Shrews bury 1959- 62 .He was
a great lad, A lot of the ex boy soldiers from all the L. I
Regiments will remember him.
Jim
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