Family pays tribute to Haywards Heath’s Tim French MBE who was known for his ‘lifelong dedication to the community’
The family of a well-known Haywards Heath resident who passed away earlier this year has paid tribute to a generous and hard-working man who was dedicated to the Mid Sussex community.
Tim French MBE died on January 28 at the age of 87.
A service of thanksgiving was held at All Saints’ Church, Lindfield, on Thursday, March 5.
In a tribute sent to this newspaper, the family said: “Tim was defined by resilience, generosity, quiet determination and above all humour.”
They said he was born in London on April 10, 1938, to Albert and Rose, and when he was six weeks old the family moved to Franklands Village in Haywards Heath.
The family said: “His early years were filled with outdoor adventure: Scouts ,camps, football matches, and spirited rivalries between the Franklands Village boys and Eastern and Western Roaders.”
Sadly, in 1944, when Tim was six years old, his father was killed in Burma during the Second World War.
The family said Tim attended Lindfield Primary in Lewes road and went on to attend what is now Oathall Community College where his ‘natural athletic ability became clear’. There, he developed a lifelong passion for both participating in and watching sport.
The family continued: “After leaving school, he trained as a joiner with Mills’ Builders and Joiners, completing his apprenticeship in 1959. That same year on a youth club barge holiday he met Sue. Called up for National Service in 1959, Tim became a Physical Training Instructor at Aldershot Barracks a role that suited his energy and love of fitness perfectly.”
Tim and Sue were married in 1963 and during their engagement Tim joined a self-build group on land off Vale Road in Haywards Heath. He spent three years of evenings and weekends building ten bungalows where his family said he created ‘not only homes, but lifelong friendships’.
They added: “It was there that they raised their three children: Andrew, Simon and Rachel.”
The family said that in 1969 Tim started his own business from his family garage. They said: “In 1971, he established French Joinery Ltd. Through hard work, and determination the company grew from local beginnings into a national shopfitting contractor for 50 years.
“Throughout his life Tim continued with his community involvement first with youth clubs in Wivelsfield then Haywards Heath. In 1965, he helped found Haywards Heath Harriers, encouraging young athletes and serving as a coach for many years. Remaining an avid runner through to his forties.
“In 1982, he became a Justice of the Peace, specialising in family court, a position he held for 20 years.”
Tim became involved with Rotary International too, where he served as President of the Haywards Heath and Lindfield club. In 1992 and 1993 he supported the club’s global efforts to eradicate polio.
Tim was also the founder and director of It’s Magic Events.
The family said: “Tim became integral in Haywards Heath Town week working with a team of like-minded individuals the event grew to hosting annual concerts, the most notable with Katherine Jenkins performing seven times from 2008-2018.
“Intertwined with community events throughout the week involving youth groups and schools, it became an annual event. From the organisation of these events he went on to organise and head up the Broadway Sound events, with 11 hours of non-stop music and entertainment for all the family. In recognition of his lifelong dedication to the community, in 2009 Tim was awarded the MBE. This meant so much to him and he continued to spearhead and support many events, organisations and community groups throughout the community.”
The family said: “Tim French MBE will be greatly missed.”