Keith Sansum1
- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,931
I'm sorry to have to inform you all that Howard recently passed away in the William Harvey hospital.
It's sad when one of our active community people pass away.
I became aware of Howard in the 90's where he gave me a lot of advice around councils and local opinions(and of course his own !!!!!)
I also became aware he was very close to those next door Oceanne who he doted upon and Karine
Over the years Howard was known on the forum taking photos of people (who is it?) some moaned but I suspect that many in the community wanted to be found, and in his photos.
Howard went on to give clear views on what he thought, not worrying about how he said it, but usually it was wise words.
Obviously communities were in his blood as he was active in Essex before moving to Dover in the political arena.
He helped to run the youth club in its early days at the community hall, and always advertised events in the hall.
Howard could often be seen at the top of priory street waiting for the 68 bus to go home.
or at bottom of Belgrave road waiting to get bus into town, chatting the short distance was always a pleasure, and Howard had no problems telling me if he thought I was going wrong.
Howard also doted on a cat that came to his house and wouldn't leave that sadly died a few months ago.
Howard will always be known as the chap who was always smiling
A community champion
This is one of Dover's saddest days.
Once details of future arrangements are known I will post on here
Keith
Guest 687, Guest 673, Weird Granny Slater and
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Guest 687, Guest 673, Weird Granny Slater, Alec Sheldon, Judith Roberts, PatrickS, Guest 1914, Captain Haddock, ray hutstone, Brian Dixon, Paul M, Paul Watkins, Guest 3065, Button, Guest 2478 and Jan Higgins like this
ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,879
What a very very sad but great post from Keith, I only met Howard briefly a couple of times so I really only know him from this forum.
Howard your posts will be greatly missed you helped to keep this group alive.
R.I.P
PatrickS, Paul Watkins and Guest 3065 like this
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Guest 2478- Registered: 6 Feb 2018
- Posts: 11
Lovely words Keef and a very sad day indeed.
Guest 3065- Registered: 10 Jan 2019
- Posts: 145
Oh how sad what did he die of?
RIP HOWARD XXX
Paul Watkins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 9 Nov 2011
- Posts: 2,226
Very sad news. Thank you for letting us know Keith. Howard was a very fair man but extremely mischievous & funny. His London roots gave a lot of insights to matters outside Dover across a range of issues. Despite his Labour roots he supported hard working local candidates of all political colours. He would take on anyone/group who he thought were vindictive & involved in
Aggressive campaigning whom he considered unfair. A very principled man.
RIP Howard old friend.
Judith Roberts likes this
Paul M- Registered: 1 Feb 2016
- Posts: 393
Such awful news. He seemed like one of the good guys . RIP.
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
so sorry to hear of howards passing, I shall miss his witty chats when we meet up.
rip howard.
Guest 1385- Registered: 27 Oct 2014
- Posts: 322
RIP
to my old sparing partner
God bless.
ray hutstone- Registered: 1 Apr 2018
- Posts: 2,158
Such an intelligent and articulate observer of local life. RIP Howard.
Weird Granny Slater
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 7 Jun 2017
- Posts: 3,070
I'll miss his wryness and his social conscience. But I'll miss feeling the sharp end now and then too.
RIP HM
'Pass the cow dung, my dropsy's killing me' - Heraclitus
Guest 1694- Registered: 24 Feb 2016
- Posts: 1,087
Really sad news. I always enjoyed my interactions and discussions with Howard. He will be missed.
Guest 1694- Registered: 24 Feb 2016
- Posts: 1,087
Really sad news. I always enjoyed my interactions and discussions with Howard. He will be missed.
Judith Roberts- Registered: 15 May 2012
- Posts: 637
I am very sad to hear that Howard has died. He was obviously a much loved figure in Dover despite not being afraid to voice his opinions and making a few 'enemies' along the way.
He kept this forum going posting local and national news.
Pablo- Registered: 21 Mar 2018
- Posts: 614
Shocked to hear this. I liked Howard a lot. We will all miss him. RIP Howard.
Ross Miller
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,706
Keith thank you for letting us know and your kind words.
It is sad news indeed, he will be sorely missed.
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi
Guest 1914- Registered: 12 Nov 2016
- Posts: 31
Very sad, RIP Sir
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,025
Howard kept this forum going.I knew yesterday morning but out of respect waited to post.Ienjoyed his posts and he kept us informed..Rest in peace.
Judith Roberts likes this
Alec Sheldon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 18 Aug 2008
- Posts: 1,037
Sad to hear that Howard has passed away. Thanks to Keith for his kind words. I met Howard years ago when he first started posting on this site, I often bumped into him in the town and library and he would always stop for a chat. Howard was always in a hurry with his knapsack on his back dashing for his bus, he will be sorely missed on this site. R.I.P. Howard.
Guest 673 and Brian Dixon like this
TheThinWhiteDuke- Registered: 7 Jul 2016
- Posts: 357
R,I.P. Indeed.
I wonder if this forum will survive without him. It often seemed he was the only one keeping it going.
Neil Moors- Registered: 3 Feb 2016
- Posts: 1,299
Very sad to read this. I am a relative newcomer to this community but quickly came to realise what a fantastic contributor, moderator and motivator Howard was. I'll very much miss his thoughtful and insightful contributions. RIP.
Guest 2478 likes this