It is with much sadness that we publish this piece. John Orrick was and will always be remembered as a pillar of the community. He passed away last month after suffering from leukemia. John was an integral part of Caterham and offered support and encouragement to many.
He served on various council committees as well as East Surrey Dial-a-Ride, The Soper Hall, Ridge Radio, The Caterham Community Centre and was a Trustee at The Westway Centre. He was also a Caterham Hill Parish Councilor and county councilor for Surrey County Council.
Mick McAlpine who was in Johns quiz team at The King and Queen said it was the ‘loss of a truly decent man’. Graham Ringer, a life time friend described John as the ‘Kindest, nicest man you could wish to meet. He will be sadly missed in many peoples lives”.
Local resident, Andy Parr explained; I think everyone in Caterham will have benefited from something that John did. As well as all his voluntary work he was also a family man, devoted to his wife Anne and also Ian and Kate, his children and was delighted when Kate was awarded an MBE a few years ago.
Every Christmas he visited The Westway Centre to assist with the Churches together dinner and always ended up preparing and cooking the brussel sprouts. He was our sprout expert, testing the cooking time in the steamer, working out quantities, and approving the finished articles. I will always think about him every time I see them. He will always be remembered.”
John Orrick – 1950-2020
John Orrick’s Memory Christmas Tree
Residents can donate £5 or more to have their dedicated message to a loved one added to the ‘John Orrick Memory Christmas Tree’.
The tree can be found on the Westway Green, Caterham and proceeds will go to The Westway Centre to help fund the ‘Christmas at Home’ scheme for local residents.
Messages can be added to a bauble on the tree prior to Christmas Eve by visiting www.thewestway.org
