Alf Crisp (1908-2003)
We are sad to announce the death in November of Alf Crisp at the age of
95. Alf was a Londoner who for most of his life lived in Forest Gate.
He joined West Ham Branch in August 1930, and remained in that Branch,
though the name changed, until moving to Cambridgeshire in 1991 to be
near his son Malcolm. Thereafter in Central Branch he maintained his
close interest in Socialism and friendship with members. His wife died
in 1967 so Alf had 36 years on his own.
Until the age of 75 he worked as a printer, for many years in his own
business, but subsequently for other printers - colleagues. Printing
was more than a job, his attitude was that of a craftsman, but he never
made a fortune at it. He undertook printing for the party which
included membership cards and posters for meetings. In most cases no
charge was made.
Alf was a conscientious objector during WW2, as was his brother. West
Ham Branch made the most of the post-war environment, and Alf joined in
with the activities. In later years his contribution would be in the
form of regular support for Branch meetings. He is remembered as a
pleasant and thoughtful comrade who would on occasion express his
opinion in a forthright manner. He would make his political views known
whenever an opportunity was presented. Malcolm tells of an incident not
many years ago when his father was virtually ejected from the afternoon
tea session at the Day Centre in Over; he had made loud protestations
when the National Anthem was sung there to mark some royal event.
He made new friends in Cambridgeshire and was able to pursue his
hobbies, notably woodwork and music. Alf was a skilled pianist and had
a lifelong interest in musical instruments, making a hammered dulcimer
in his eighties. We extend sympathy to Malcolm and his family.
PD
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