Bob Elford - he enjoyed tickling up the pompous
Most of us on the borough council are saddened by the death of Bob Elford on Monday even though it was not unexpected.
He had been ill for some time and we had been discussing whether we should bring forward the ceremony of making him an honorary alderman, the award given to somebody who has served on the council for more than 20 years.
Doing so would have meant a ceremony round his hospital bed in which I would have said what he meant to the council before presenting him with the commemorative document. The argument against was that it would have said to somebody as perceptive as Bob that we did not expect him to recover. On the other hand, that might have made him determined to do so just to show us. You could never count on Bob to do what was expected of him.
It was sad that he lost his seat in the May elections because he transferred his allegiance from the Labour group of which he had been a member for 35 of his 36 years to Independent. He was unable to canvass for himself but his family did their best for him. He had always said he would serve as a councillor until they carried him out; he missed that by about seven weeks.
I had known Bob for 40 years, almost as long as I have lived in Bedford. We had been in business together; we had been in politics togetherr. And both of us enjoyed tickling up the pre-1974 borough council with its line-up of aldermen who thought they governed as of right.
Bob’s father is still alive, heading for his 100th birthday. I offer my condolences to him and the rest of Bob’s family.
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:30 pm
I am Shelley Elford, Bob’s second eldest grandaughter. On behalf of the family I would like thank you for your condolences . My grandad was a very strong minded individual and politics played a huge part in his life. He loved nothing more than to do battle with the pompous and befriend the underdog. ( grandad loved helping people) he always said what he believed, and believed in what he said.
We would spend every Christmas with nan and grandad, he loved playing pratical joke on the whole of the family at this time of year. Throughout the rest of the year he would give all his grandchildren spelling tests, which was a tradition he continued with his great grandchildren.
Family was very important to my grandad as he would and did take on the role of parent to his grandchildren when circumstances dictated it.
My grandad was a very compassionate and extraordinary loving man. We all loved him and will miss his so very, very much. Our greif is only eased by the knowledge that his is with the love of his life, our nan.
I have to stop now as tears are blurring my vision
S.L Elford
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:59 pm
I am very proud an honoured to say that Bob Elford was my grandfather and Im sure all that have known him will agree that he was a kind and caring gentleman.
He was the best ever grandad and I loved him dearly and will miss him tremendously. He always moaned with a cheaky grin and his sence of humour was 1 in a million No matter what had happened that day he would always have a laugh and a joke with his family.
I spend many years as a youngster trying to take my teeth out with my thumbs just like grandad could and was very upset one morning to find them in a glass at the side of his bed, ( I had crept in while nan and grandad was still asleep because they always had pop at the side of the bed and I wanted some) my dreams were shattered I thought WOW!! as I looked at him asleep, all gums and lips, no wonder he snored so much I thought Hmmm. I poked my finger in his mouth and he woke with a roar, scared me half to death. Never had my pop but ran out (grabing a sweet as I left). Haha both nan and granded found it very funny when I told them that there teeth got out in the night for a swim in there glass of water…
And even when I used to visit with my children they would run over, climb on his belly and say “come on grandad take ya teeth out, ohhh pleaseee go on” he would say No No Im not well, then as they backed away deflated he would do the same old trick and then roar and both my kids would scream and jump with joy just like I did all those years ago, Ok so the last time I done it I was 32 but dont tell any one shhhh.
Im sure we could all tell wonderful stories about him and Im very pleased to say that I have carried his sense of humour jean. He was a joker and I loved every part of him.
God bless you Grandad Rest In Peace.
Lots Of love Forever
Julie, Brian, Ellis and Hollie
xxxxx
xxx