From: Gerda Wood- Cools
It was in 2005, early in summer and very early in our relationship, when Keith first took me to meet his sister Marjorie and her husband Syd. They were by far the most loving and harmonious couple I ever met, absolutely devoted to one another. They were both so warm-hearted and welcoming, they made me feel at home instantly.
Later on, when Keith had moved to Belgium and we were visiting we were always thoroughly spoilt with home cooked food made with fresh vegetables from Syd’s garden. Indeed, Syd’s beetroot was the best I ever tasted.
Syd was always happy to see us, took us around the garden to show the latest additions. He was always full of ideas : new brick flower boxes, an ornamental signpost... So many self-made details that made the Coach House and its garden truly unique. Indeed, Syd was always active and everything he undertook he did with passion and dedication.
At the dinner table he was good company, full of funny stories. The twinkle in his eyes when he told us yet another one of the many anecdotes he had stored in his memory...
When he heard that I was on the lookout for books about vintage dolls – actually for a good friend of mine who collects dolls – he scoured a couple of boot sales and on my next visit, he presented me with a box full of dolls in Victorian dresses. Not exactly the kind of dolls my friend collected, but it was so sweet a gesture and so typical of his generosity. I put the dolls on top of the closet in the hall at home and they became a real eyecatcher for visitors.
Marjorie and Syd joined us on several trips, to Hampton Court and the Royal Gardens of Kew, to the Isle of Wight.
They also came to Belgium several times, where Syd of course took a special interest in our local building styles. He especially enjoyed our visit to Bokrijk, an open air museum where old farmhouses from all over Flanders have been rebuilt. (part1... to be contd)

When you're young, everything appears big, the open fire, the corner bath, the scary looking black barn and Marjorie's cooking but most of all Grandad's big smile.
We will miss you greatly and although your memory started to wain through that terrible disease, our memory of you will never fade.
RIP Grandad Syd love Matt and michelle

part 2...........
As we all know , in the past few years, sadly, as the disease cruelly took hold of him, his memory started to get worse.
So here is the funny thing. For some reason , and we never found out why, Syd always called me Dave…….the times I would ring up and he would answer the phone and I would hear him call out “Marjorie, Dave is on the phone” , and Mum would come to speak muttering “who the heck is Dave”. Over the years I gave up trying and would always just say “ hello Syd, is mum there its Dave” . The last visit I saw Syd , he was obviously getting worse, but the first thing he said to me was…………….”Hello Dave”
Sydney Alfred Thomas King, was not one of those people who changed the world, or invented something amazing, he was just an honest, hard working, family loving , decent person whose presence made the world and everyone’s lives a little better.
Like everyone I will miss his cheerful smile , stories from “during the war” and most of all just not being called Dave anymore…………………………RIP Syd with love from Peter (or Dave)

I cannot be with you in person on Friday, but will be in spirit. Had I been able to be there I would have liked everyone to know my memories of Syd. I first met him around 45 years ago as my Mother and I were walking along Hadlow Road. We stopped to chat to this cheerful guy , who was working hard in a front garden. That was Syd, always working. Over the next few months he seemed to come into our lives a little more and was actually the only potential Step Dad I liked and ‘approved ‘ of. Eventually Mum and my brother moved into Capel Grange and I cannot ever speak highly enough of how he looked after them both through the years and I know Gary feels his loss enormously. As, of course we all do.
When my Grandad became ill, Syd took him into his home without a second thought. Pop stayed there in the bedroom he loved, until the Saturday he passed away, with Mum, Syd and myself by his side. I could not ever speak highly enough of how Syd treated my Grandad.
When Mum and Syd got married , I was fortunate enough to be able to say a few words. But there can never be enough words to describe Syd. He was hard working and always had a smile on his face.
Over the years he welcomed his new grandchildren and got to spend a lot of time cruising which he enjoyed immensely.
Syd retired but never stopped working. Everyone who ever visited him will recall the scruffy old ‘gardener’ never happier than when he was tending his veggies. Even when they moved to Stable Cottage he always had a “project” or 2. It was only the advance of time that slowed him physically not mentally and he was always happy to direct and instruct on his next plan.
to be continued............

Sincere condolences to my cousin, Marjorie, with whom Syd shared many happy years.

Sincere condolences to my cousin, Marjorie, with whom Syd shared many happy years.

In memory of my Grandad Syd, always welcoming, cheerful, smiling, and building! An inspiration to me, will miss you. Darren n fam

A disease that touches so many in the most cruel way.
Rest in Peace Syd

Our memories of Syd are of a warm generous man. Always with a sense of humour and with a wicked grin on his face. Never afraid of hard work and a straight talker. Memories of a house full of love and devotion we hope will ease his passing. Your final project done. Rest in Peace Syd. With loving memories, Ron, Lee, Annette, Lorraine and Jim.