Gerald RoyNANCARROWThe funeral of Gerald Roy Nancarrow, aged 88 of Camborne, took place at Treswithian Downs Crematorium on 6th January. The service was officiated by the Reverend Ray Borrett.
Roy was born on 15th January 1936 to Florence & Charles Nancarrow. He lived at Cusgarne for the first 12 years of his life, before moving to Penhallick, Carn Brea. He had an elder sister by 14 years – Joyce, who lived to the age of 100.
He spent his childhood attending Cusgarne School and later Redruth Grammar School. Aged 15 he started work as a clerk in the Motor Tax Licencing Department at Strangways Terrace, Truro.
In 1954 he undertook National Service, based at RAF Yatesbury, Wiltshire then later at St Mawgan. Whilst on leave, Roy stayed with his mother’s cousin in Fratton where he developed a love of the area and in particular Portsmouth & Southsea, where the family later enjoyed holidaying for many years.
In 1958 Roy met Dorothy; they were married the following year, starting married life living with Roy’s father at Carn Brea where their first daughter Anne was born in 1960. They later moved to Four Lanes where their second daughter Susan was born in 1963 followed by Karen in 1967.
When the Motor Tax Department closed & relocated to Swansea in 1968, Roy received an offer to move there. Roy & Dorothy considered uprooting the family however chose to stay in Cornwall. Roy transferred to County Hall where he remained until his retirement in 1989.
Roy had a health scare in 1991, spent several weeks in Derriford hospital where he underwent 2 operations for a brain aneurysm. The family feared they would lose him, however he survived and was very fortunate to enjoy many years doing what he loved. He participated in many organisations and social events; going to cricket & rugby matches, in particular an enthusiastic follower & member of Somerset Cricket and Camborne Rugby Clubs. He liked most sports on TV, attended band & choir concerts and was an avid supporter and passionate collector for Camborne Town Band.
He welcomed grandsons Darren in 1996 and Andrew in 2001 and was always most delighted when, over the years, they would join him on holiday, staying altogether at the apartment in Southsea. He loved seeing them enjoy the area that meant so much to him.
In 1997 Roy & Dorothy moved to their bungalow in Camborne – one of the main reasons being for Susan, who had developed rheumatoid arthritis. Sadly Susan was unable to attend the funeral due to her disability.
Roy was not a home maker, his few attempts at DIY ended rapidly. Therefore he was quite content for others to carry out these tasks, preferring to be out watching sport or attending a band concert. He was very lucky to have Dorothy by his side, a devoted and supportive wife.
Roy’s health deteriorated after breaking his hip in December 2021; once he could no longer drive or go out doing the things he enjoyed, he lost motivation and the necessary willpower to keep moving. Losing Dorothy in January 2023, after 63 years of marriage, was a loss he found hard to bear.
Roy became very frail during his last weeks; he chose not to be admitted to hospital preferring to stay at home, where he was comfortable.
Roy will be remembered for being kind hearted – frequently helping others whether that be offering lifts, accompanying them to concerts or having over to stay. Many friends and family have been invited home over the years and Dorothy was also very hospitable.
Anne, Susan & Karen express their sincere gratitude to friend & neighbour Chris Durant for everything he did for Roy. They also thank his very kind friends and family who frequently saw and helped Roy in many ways over the years and latterly the Pendeen Care Agency who were caring and supportive throughout.
Roy established many friendships throughout his life, maintaining these until he passed away peacefully at home on 28th November 2024.
Family mourners: Anne Nancarrow (daughter) Karen & Simon Tooley (daughter & son-in-law), Darren & Andrew Tooley (grandsons), Raymond & Pauline Spargo (nephew & wife), Philip & Anne Spargo (nephew & wife), Melanie Spargo (niece), Ursula Hold, Alan Floyd (cousins), Robert Cook & Linda Silverlock (cousin & partner). Representatives from Camborne Rugby Club, Camborne Town Band, Somerset Cricket Club, Camborne & Truro Cricket Clubs and Pendeen Care Agency.
The family would like to thank friends & neighbours who attended the funeral service, for all the cards & messages of sympathy and to Bernard Williams & Son for the arrangements. Kind donations for the Cornwall Arthritis Trust totalled £400.
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