Chris was a lovely chap whom I will always remember with huge fondness. We met in the early 90s when he joined a local model railway club. He introduced me to Stevie Ray Vaughan and lasagne; not a bad legacy is it?! I spent a lot of time with Chris and taught him how to build locomotive kits in his modelling room on Howitt Street. You could say he was a model student. In return he taught me many jokes and limericks, for which I, but possibly not my family, are eternally grateful. Time spent with Chris was always a very positive experience. Never far from the next laugh or daft comment. He had a very naughty streak that would sometimes come to the surface, but he’d always check around first to see if anyone was watching. I still use one of his sayings regularly to this day; When telling a ridiculously far-fetched joke he’d wait until you’d stop laughing and then nod and say “it’s reight ya know!” as though it was a true story. Always made me laugh more than the jokes. His summer BBQs are still the stuff of legend. Seeing him get told off by Sue for playing Rage Against the Machine’s “Battle of Los Angeles” with the windows wide open will live me forever. Great memories still talked about by those who were there. Really sorry for everyone’s loss. Love to Sue, Alistair, Dougie and your families. Kim Durose (ex Ilkeston Woodside MRC)

Chris was a Dad to me for 19 years. I am so privileged and proud to have had him in my life. We shared many interests including walking, history, cheese and ice cream. :) I have many happy memories of him and I am so glad to have spent many holidays and evenings in the pub chatting about life and beer with him. He had a great interest in my career and was always willing to be included in some cloud spotting. I shall miss him deeply but whenever I wish to remember him all I need to do is look at Alastair. Thank You Chris for the love and support throughout the years and for welcoming me as a daughter into your family. Natalie xxx

Sorry to have not been able to be there to watch your last journey Chris but paused to remember you, with a smile of gratitude for having known you.