Sad passing marks end of era

He was born in the Old Post Office in 1918 and lived in Yapton all his life.

The only time he left the village was while serving in the forces during the Second World War, where he was a sergeant in the Royal Army Service Corps, stationed in London for much of the blitz.

During the war, he met and married his wife Gladys. On his return from the army, he became sub-postmaster at Yapton Post Office remaining there until retiring in 1985.

He was known to everyone in the village that he served in many ways.

The shop attached to the post office carried an enormous amount of stock from, baby's dummies to toys, wool, shoes, and if somebody wanted anything that was not in stock it could be ordered.

Gordon was interested in photography, gardening, badminton and short mat bowls. He also owned a printing press which was used for the benefit of the village. He also served on the parish council.

Known by some as Mr Yapton, he had a vast knowledge of the village history which he imparted to audiences in the village hall when he showed slides and copies of old postcards. The income raised from collections was used to provide seat covers for the church.

For some years he ran a coffee morning in his bungalow in Bilsham Road. The meetings were then transferred to the village hall where it still operates on Wednesday mornings.

Gordon had a saying '˜obstacles are opportunities' which he used throughout his life. And his passing now marks the end of an era. He leaves his wife Gladys, three daughters, four grand-children and twin great-grandchildren.