Before I start, I would like to say thank you on behalf of the family to each and every one of you for attending today to celebrate the life of John Clifford Dale. Seeing the large number of people gathered here is an indication of the kind of man my Grandad was as he touched so many. Thank you.

Today, we are celebrating a man whose entire life was dedicated to his family, his community, friends and God. He was a devoted husband for 64 years, a wonderful Father to three, a loving grandfather to 12, and a caring great grandfather to 12, as well as a friend to many; he was a part of so many people’s lives.

I wish to share some words about the man who has been an integral part of my life.

To say that I am lucky to be one of his grandchildren is an understatement. It has been a blessing that I am truly grateful for and will be for the rest of my life.

John Clifford Dale entered the world on the 20th November 1932 to the parents of Arthur Clifford and Edith Dorothy Dale. He was given the nickname of Tiny Tim by his family, but back then no one expected him to grow to 5 foot 11 with a shoe size of 12.

John grew up in Oakfield Road, Croydon with his only brother Richard. He attended the local scout troop of St John’s Church, Coulsdon. When World War 2 broke out in 1939, John was evacuated to Bristol. When the family were re-united they moved to Hayes Lane, Kenley. In one of the rooms, he found a painting believed to have been painted by the Canadian Airmen, this took pride of place on the chimney breast in his childhood bedroom.

After John finished school, he took his national service in the RAF based at Chivenor, Devon having spent some time training in West Kirby on the Wirral, as a junior Technician. During this time, he met his wife Margaret Harding at the local youth club and after courting for some time they married in September 1958 in the Methodist Church in Braunton Devon. They moved to their marital home in Hayes Lane, Kenley where they brought up their three children Heather, Elizabeth and Martin.
John worked at Chapman & Sons, following in his father’s and Grandfather’s footsteps. Later he worked as a driver and retired in his late 60’s.

John was rarely not seen working on something. Anything that moved or had a motor he would be there, especially when it came to cars and steam trains. He was part of Brooklands racing cars and regularly serviced the cars of his friends and family in his car pit at home, except when it was filled with rain. He was also a member of the Sutton and Carshalton model railway club.

John also had a big heart for singing and drama where he was a member of East Surrey Choral Society and Croydon Male Voice Choir, alongside amateur dramatics in Selsdon. John was not one to say no and was always willing to help where possible. He would paint the scenes, set the stage, do the lighting and sound effects with plenty of time to spare for him to return home to get ready and then be the first one back to the venue so he could park in the space right outside the door.

John was heavily involved in the Kenley and Purley Methodist Church where he opened and closed the church before and after services, maintained the organ, and organised the talent contests.

He was involved in many clubs, including the Round Table and later the 41 Club, the Boys Club, NSPCC and in 2018 John was presented with a 50 years’ service award from the Rotary for his dedication to the organisation.

He was a happy and sociable person, he loved being in the company of other people, traveling with friends, making wine and chatting over light refreshments of tea and cake.

John celebrated his 90th Birthday in November surrounded by family. Soon after he had a fall from which he made a quick recovery and was discharged from hospital. On 20th December 2022 John sadly passed away at home surrounded by members of the family; which was his wish, he was always one to get his own way.

What an extraordinary life John had.



To my Grandad

You may have had the title of Grandad but for me you fulfilled a much bigger role in my life. As far back as I can remember, you were there through some of the darkest days of my childhood, not solely for me but for one of your daughters who brought up three children on her own. You taught me to be strong, not give up and be determined to achieve anything I wanted to. You took me under your wing, taking care of me when my Mum was at work especially on school holidays and inset days, sometimes I attended Nan’s art-classes where I had my own seat and equipment surrounded by you and your friends.

I remember helping you in the garage with Mum’s car wearing overalls while you taught me getting dirty and working could be and was fun. Watching you sing at all those lovely concerts, sat alongside one of your daughters, being so proud you were my Grandad; of course Nan was there too as part of the choir.

One of my most vivid memories growing up was that you often had your video recorder to hand as you had a love for photography. I remember being sat in the lounge after you and Nan had returned from one of your many holidays and looking through all the photos and videos that you had taken.

As a child I had an excitement for Christmas at your delightful home and seeing family I hadn’t seen for some time. The best memory was sitting down the other end of the table watching you smile at us all year on year.

I’m going to miss the most amazing cuddles, it wasn’t simply a hug more like a squeeze that you gave me without saying anything; the feeling I felt was just pure love.

Thank you for everything you have done for me, the family and all those people who you have touched in one way or another. You have made a massive difference to so many.

I’m so proud of you and to call you my Grandad.