Mr George Patrick Crowley, aged 85, died suddenly at Kingston Hospital on Saturday 7 January 2012, after a short illness. Born 15 September 1926 in Mitcham, George spent a portion of his childhood at a Catholic children’s home in Tooting with his brother Jim, before moving back with his family to Earlsfield. After marrying Lily they settled in Worcester Park to raise their son Paul. George worked as a shoe maker for more than 25 years until taking a position at the Tate Gallery, where he stayed until he retired in 1992. Many a night he kept the staff entertained with ‘Jolson’ Melodies. Together George and Lily ran a successful confectioners for 10 years where you could always find grandsons Ben and Tom near the sweets. During retirement George and Lily spent many weekends and school holidays with their grandchildren, playing cricket, card games, dominoes and much much more. He was always available to call upon, helping out with rustic decorating, dodgy driveways and trips to the dentist to name but a few. George, Lily & Paul enjoyed spending many holidays with Lily’s sister Betty and her husband Tommy or close friends Bernard, Jean and Colin. They visited various fascinating places, from Cornwall to as far away as the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. They also spent every Christmas with Betty and Tommy over the years, many of which involved travelling up to Hartlepool on George’s motorbike and side car. They often fought the elements and on one occasion George ran out of fuel, only to be saved by the generosity of a Good Samaritan. George loved playing cricket with his family; he played for the 54th OCA and was always available for his sons club Giltec. He also enjoyed playing his piano and educating the youngsters on proper music. He leaves behind his companion, Frances, his loving son Paul, grandsons Ben and Tom, great grandchildren Lily-Marie, Fern and William, his sister Barbara, brothers Jim and Ronnie. George was preceded in death by his dearly missed wife, Lily.