Members of a contact group of ex-Barnardo’s children in Kent, sitting on the seat they donated to after Care in Roy’s memory. Roy’s wife is seated front, second from right.

ROY DEAN, 8 December 1996. Aged 63.

Roy was a founder member of a contact group of Barnardo's Old Boys and Girls who presented a garden seat to After Care in Roy's memory. It was dedicated at a special service in the Village Church where Collette Bradford, Head of After Care paid this tribute on behalf of his wife, Helen.

How would Roy wish to be remembered? For his charm? He certainly had plenty of that. For his love of music, especially Mozart and Beethoven? For his tempestuousness, and we have all shared in that? For his love of nostalgia ‑ how many times have we been down memory lane with him in long conversations! Or for his love of Egyptology?

The truth is that, most of all; he would have liked to have been remembered for his love. He was a very sincere and emotional person, and once you had his love you had it for always. This is why we all miss him so much.

Attending the dedication service in August were Roy's widow Helen,  Ellen (Nellie) Spurgeon, Joyce Hammerton, Doreen Morrison, Emily Moore, Bert and Renee Thompson, Jenny Taylor and Eileen Whitfield. Roy was in Barnardo's care from 1934‑52 in various homes including Bognor Regis and Goldings where his ashes were scattered.

The Barnardo Messenger Winter 1997

Roy Deans ashes were scattered at Goldings by the school Chapel on the day of the Goldings reunion October 1997.

For some more memories from Roy prior to publishing his book on his life and times Click here Roy passed away before his book was published.

letter sent to Johnny Leach in 1992 click here