Alan Michael Farquhar was born on 21 March 1943 to Annie Caroline Farquhar and Stanley Farquhar. He is survived by his wife Joan and their children, Karen and Lee, and grandchildren Emma and Thomas.
He lived in Ruislip, Middlesex, until moving to Chichester, West Sussex in 1987. A career postman with Royal Mail, he retired in his mid 50s and enjoyed regular holidays and trips with Joan, which he would always document in his daily diary and many photo albums.
A lifelong sports fan, with football and cricket his favourites, he was never far from a pitch of some sort. He started out in football but injury switched him to cricket in the 60s and thereafter he was always in a cricket team, playing regularly until such time as that same football injury to his knee meant that umpiring and spectating were the safer options. He was also a lifelong supporter of Brentford FC, and loved his Western films.
Always up for a laugh, and a pint, and usually a nickname, Big Al, Farks, Farky, and plenty of others that are probably best not mentioned here, Alan was popular with his team mates and colleagues.
Alan enjoyed family gatherings and spending time with grandchildren Emma and Thomas, reviving for them the same tricks and games that were popular with his own children, who still believe that he really could magic a 2p coin from his ear.
Alzheimer’s disease arrived in Alan’s 70s and this meant a sad decline in his ability to enjoy his sports, communicate and manage in general. Cared for at home by Joan until a fall in 2019, Alan spent his remaining years at Claremont Lodge Nursing Home in Fontwell. He was completely dependent on others in every respect. That said, glimmers of his sense of humour remained with him until the end.
We love and remember a big kind man who will remain in our hearts and on the field always. And of course, “Up the Bees!”
