Obituary: Ken Sewell

Mr Sewell, who would have been 96 in July, served in the RAF during WW2 as a navigator/gunner on bombers.

During the winter of 1947-1948, which was the longest and coldest of the 20th century, (snow was on the ground from November to April) his wife was about to give birth and there was no income and not much money in the family. Needing employment, Mr Sewell saw a job in Romford labour exchange for a tally clerk with a timber company in Rainham.

Without any knowledge of the trade, he went down to the dock in Rainham to apply. He was asked – “How did you get here?” When he said he had walked, he was told: "If you can walk 10 miles through this snow for a job you have got it".

He was employed in the timber trade for the rest of his working life. His career started with Phoenix Timber, continued to Hopping Brothers, where he progressed from "Timber Traveller" to managing director.

He joined the Meyer Organisation in 1966 as one of the inaugural staff members of MBM, he stayed until his retirement in 1987. He then worked part time for Compass Forest Products before finally retiring at the age of 70.

Mr Sewell served as chairman of the Kent Timber Trade Association in 1965 and, sat on the national timber trade federation.

His family would like to thank all the members of the trade for the help and friendship given to Ken over his working life.