Family Remembers Malcolm Parker, Beloved Crossing Keeper

A sudden illness has claimed the life of Malcolm Parker, a cherished crossing keeper and devoted family man from Ashford. He passed away from respiratory failure on August 24, 2023, at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of joy and laughter for all who knew him.

Mr. Parker was a well-known figure in the community, having dedicated 15 years to overseeing both Willesborough and later Wye crossings. His wife, Sandy Parker, recalls her husband as “the jokester who never grew up.” They first met in 1982 when he worked as a railway guard and she served in the buffet at Ashford station. Their marriage followed two years later, and their bond only deepened over the decades.

“Malcolm was a character, funny and such a joker,” Mrs. Parker shared. “He was always doing tricks, and that’s why everyone loved him.” She fondly remembers a recent incident where he playfully rammed a shopping trolley into her ankles at a local supermarket.

Born in September 1944, Mr. Parker grew up in Cade Road, South Ashford, alongside his seven siblings. His early working years began selling programmes at local football matches, allowing him free access to the stadium. Following his education, he took on various jobs, including positions at Norman Cycles and Crouch’s Garage. He later moved to London, contributing to the construction of the Post Office Tower, now recognized as the BT Tower, during the 1960s.

In 1995, Mr. Parker returned to Ashford to take on the role of crossing keeper at Willesborough Crossing, a position he cherished. He managed the crossing, connecting Hunter Avenue and Newtown Road, until its closure in 2001 due to the construction of HS1. His expertise quickly led him to a new role at Wye Crossing, where he became a well-loved figure in the village until his retirement in 2010.

Mrs. Parker highlighted the sense of community surrounding her husband’s work. “His friends would come by for a cup of tea, and kids would give him two pence coins to see the Eurostar trains go over them,” she said. “It was exciting for them to watch the trains pass right in front of them. Hearing people share their memories of him has been heartwarming.”

During his tenure as a crossing keeper, Mr. Parker displayed extraordinary bravery. In 2000, while temporarily stationed at Aylesford, he saved a man from an oncoming train, earning a certificate of commendation from the British Transport Police for his quick thinking and decisive action.

Reflecting on her husband’s passing, Mrs. Parker expressed the family’s mixed emotions. “We’re not really a cutesy family, but we miss him a lot. He just never grew up,” she shared. “We’re sad and sobbing, but then we’ll tell a dark humour joke and pull ourselves out of it.” Their 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.”

Mr. Parker’s funeral is scheduled for September 12, 2023, at Singleton Environmental Centre at 12:00. His family encourages anyone who knew him to attend and celebrate his life and legacy.