Mr Eric S Hickman FCA

Eric grew up in Leeds and at the age of 18 volunteered for the RAF. Following training, he spent three years at 22 Air Squadron in Vereeniging, South Africa. After demobilisation in 1946 he returned to Leeds to finish his education and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1950. Subsequently he came to London to work for Ernst & Young in the City in 1953. After a couple of years he became Company Secretary to one their clients, Manbré & Garton, a firm of sugar and corn producers (later to become Tate & Lyle).

I met Eric at a charity dance in 1957, married in 1958 and later had two lovely children. We lived in Epsom, then Surbiton. In 1968, Eric decided to leave the commercial sector and return to private practice, setting up in Addiscombe, Croydon. The practice expanded and merged, eventually having branches in Mitcham, Oxford and Brighton.

Eric decided to take early retirement In September 1987, due to ill health. We spent about 18 months of enjoyable time together, of theatre, concerts and travelling, before he suffered a massive stroke in July 1989.

In November that year Eric was admitted to The Royal Star & Garter Homes in Richmond where he spent the remainder of his life, being cared for, with daily visits from me.

He still enjoyed music, and regularly attended the Tuesday evening Music Club, run by Jean Oliver, then by Pat Maynard. He participated in occupational therapy and wheelchair dancing despite his severe disabilities.

Eric was a compassionate and charitable man, involved in many spheres, such as raising funds for Ravenswood, a home near Crowthorne, for people with learning disabilities, and Abbeyfield, a home for retired people. He greatly enjoyed golf, swimming and reading, especially ancient history and politics. In all Eric was a lovely person and he is greatly missed.

~ Mrs Sybil Hickman