Lifelong journey ends for Littlehampton’s Alan, 66

It was first kindled along the riverbanks, through the harbour and in and around the shipyards of Littlehampton, where he spent a happy childhood.

But it also set him on the road to a successful career, which led to him running a large passenger transport network in the north of England, while always maintaining his interest in the industry as a hobby.

And yet it was almost an accident that set him on a working life with the bus company Southdown Motor Services in 1965.

He attended Elm Grove School in Littlehampton, and then Chichester High School. While working for Southdown as a summer holiday job, waiting for his A-level results, he realised it was a career path he wanted to follow.

Over the next 25 years Alan rose through the ranks with the company, serving in both West and East Sussex and when it was taken over by Stagecoach (South) in 1990, he was appointed divisional manager for West Sussex.

Alan was divorced, but remained on friendly terms with his ex-wife, June. He leaves a son, daughter and a grandchild, as well as his sister Audrey Hindley, who lives in Littlehampton.

Cremation took place in Huddersfield and his ashes will be interred in Littlehampton Cemetery on Wednesday (April 3), followed by a service celebrating Alan’s life at St James’ Church, East Ham Road, Littlehampton, at 3pm. He was an active member of the church in his youth, and an altar boy.

For the full story, see this week’s Littlehampton Gazette (March 28).,