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Hundreds of mourners gather to remember Chesham Bois man

Posted by Hannah Williams on Mar 16, 10 12:06 PM in People

MORE than 300 mourners packed an Amersham Church to celebrate the life of a popular Chesham Bois man.
John Ellis, 90, of Green Lane, Chesham Bois, died on February 24. Mr Ellis was born in the village on November 19, 1919, and spent most of his life living there. After leaving Merchant Taylors School, he joined his father at his estate agency Pretty & Ellis, which had offices in Chesham, Amersham and Great Missenden. He served as an engineer with the Desert Rats in North Africa during the Second World War. Mr Ellis later went on to found Amersham Auction Rooms in Chalfont Station Road, which is now run by his son Dick.

In 1944 he married his childhood sweetheart Pamela and they went on to have three children Diney, Dick and Peter and later fostered another two children John and Terry Murphy.
The couple were well-known in the community for attending Our Ladies Catholic Church and being being founders of Chesham Bois Catholic Players.
Due to the high numbers expected at the celebration of life service on March 10, it took place at the parish church of St Michael and All Angels in Sycamore Road rather than Mr Ellis's usual place of worship and was led by Catholic priest Reverend John Crowshaw.
Daughter Diney Crabtree, speaking on behalf of the family, said: "John will be particularly remembered for the elaborate props he designed and constructed for the Catholic Players' annual pantomime.
"John was an inspiration to many in his joy of life. When told that he could no longer drive, he custom built a large tricycle in order that he could still get about without burdening those around him."
Mr Ellis nursed his wife through cancer until her death in 1994. He was then joined at home by Diney and her family.
Mrs Crabtree added: "Always one to surprise, he delighted his many family and friends when he announced his intention to marry for a second time. He married Win in January 2003 and they spent seven very happy years together."
One of Mr Ellis's long standing hobbies was to make things inside the garage he had converted from an old house. He used to enjoy showing the younger members of his family his creations.
A tribute from one of his great grandchildren written three years ago when he was aged 10, about the life of Mr Ellis, was read out at the service. He said: "Overall he has been a very influential person to me and I hope to grow up to be like him."
A private cremation was held before for the 40 members of his immediate family.
He is survived by wife Win 87, his three children Diney, 65, Dick 63, and Peter, 61, 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

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