Tributes Flow for Beloved Crossing Keeper Malcolm Parker

A cherished family man and renowned crossing keeper, Malcolm Parker, passed away at the age of 80 after suffering a sudden infection that led to respiratory failure. He died on August 24, 2023, at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, leaving behind his wife, Sandy Parker, their children, and three grandchildren.

Known affectionately as the “jokester who never grew up,” Mr. Parker had a vibrant presence in the community. He dedicated 15 years to overseeing the Willesborough and later the Wye crossings, where his lively personality endeared him to many.

Life and Career of a Crossing Keeper

Born in September 1944, Mr. Parker grew up on Cade Road in South Ashford, alongside seven siblings. His first job involved selling programmes at Ashford Town football matches, allowing him free access to the stadium. After school, he worked at Norman Cycles and Crouch’s Garage before transitioning to construction in London, contributing to the building of the Post Office Tower, now known as the BT Tower, during the 1960s.

Returning to Ashford, Mr. Parker found his calling as a railway guard before becoming a crossing keeper at Willesborough Crossing in 1995. His responsibilities included managing the crossing that connected Hunter Avenue and Newtown Road. He remained in this role until it was permanently closed in 2001 for the construction of HS1. Shortly thereafter, he took over the same position at Wye Crossing, where he continued to work until his retirement in 2010.

Mr. Parker’s popularity extended beyond his job. He was a devoted supporter of West Bromwich Albion and enjoyed visiting the local William Hill. His warm demeanor attracted many friends, who often dropped by for a chat over a cup of tea. Children in the area cherished him as well, often giving him two pence coins for the thrill of watching Eurostar trains pass by.

A Legacy of Kindness and Humor

Mrs. Parker fondly recalled how they met in 1982 when he worked as a guard and she was employed in the buffet at Ashford station. Their relationship blossomed, leading to marriage two years later. She described him as “funny and such a joker,” adding, “He was always doing tricks, and that’s why everyone loved him.” Just a month before his passing, he playfully rammed her ankles with a trolley in Aldi, a testament to his playful spirit.

Mr. Parker’s commitment to safety was also notable. In 2000, while on temporary assignment at Aylesford, he saved a man’s life by pulling him from the path of an oncoming train, an act that earned him a certificate of commendation from the British Transport Police.

Reflecting on her loss, Mrs. Parker expressed the profound impact he had on their family. “We’re not really a cutesy family, but we miss him a lot. He just never grew up,” she said, emphasizing how their family would often use humor to cope with their grief.

His son, Matt Parker, echoed his mother’s sentiments, stating, “There are no words that could ever do him justice or capture the character that he was.”

The family has announced that Mr. Parker’s funeral will take place at the Singleton Environmental Centre at 12:00 PM on September 12, 2023. They invite anyone who knew him to attend and share in celebrating his remarkable life.