In Memory of Clive Kingham – Loyal R’s Fan & a True Gentleman

Clive had been poorly for a few years. He was being prescribed what seemed to be an endless amount of antibiotics, but a year ago he phoned me to say that with the upturn in the weather, and the steady improvement in his health, he was coming to his first match in nearly a year.

I met up with him outside Hounslow East Station and we took the bus to the Heston training ground, where the U18’s drew 3-3 with Birmingham City.

Then a couple of months later we met up in a local pub, ‘The Forester’ in West Ealing where we watched a World Cup match and enjoyed a couple of pints.

Sadly Clive was soon to be in and out of hospital again as his health worsened.

The week before he passed away, Alan Barnes, Keith Davies and myself visited him in Ealing Hospital. As ill as he was I’m sure that he was aware that we were there. We held his hand before saying goodbye. Keith phoned me a few days later to tell me the awful news.

Later that month we attended Mortlake Crematorium. The entrance music was Glenn Miller’s ‘In The Mood’ and we were welcomed by Humanist Society Celebrant, Phil Walder, who conducted the Service.

Clive’s two nephews, Duncan and Alistair MacNichol, together with former work mate, John De Pear, made their tributes.

Duncan recalled that his uncle was a member of CAMRA and after a good few pints of ale, Clive would upon his return home, regularly spoon out a tin of Heinz baked beans!

Clive was born in Queen Charlotte’s (like me), on 21st November 1937 and lived most of his life in Ealing. For his National Service he served in the RAF and worked at BOAC, who later became BEA before becoming British Airways.

The music for reflection was the 1977 song, ‘Queens Park Rangers’ by the Loftus Roadrunners and after the Committal and closing words we filed out to the sound of ELO’s ‘Mr Blue Sky’.

Later, Alan Barnes, Keith Davies, Joe English, John O’Mahony and myself raised a glass in Clive’s memory.

Clive supported all the Club’s sides and I had started to attend some of the QPR Women’s matches with him.

Apart from talking about the R’s, we also often spoke about our mutual appreciation of Jazz music and Films.

He was a true gent and we will miss him.

Rest in Peace.

Clive Kingham: 21st November 1937 – 3rd March 2019

Steve Russell

(The above pic was taken at Loftus Road in 1995 and shows Clive standing on the right)

2 thoughts on “In Memory of Clive Kingham – Loyal R’s Fan & a True Gentleman

  1. It was a pleasure to have known him. I just hope he is in a better place as he struggled these last two years. All us regulars at Academy games have missed him terribly.

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