Rennie Simms

My heartfelt condolences go out to Uncle Rennie's wife Hilma, his children and grandson. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Uncle Rennie was my mum's (Enid 'Mercy' Channer), younger brother and the youngest of his siblings. He was tall like his dad and stammered like his dad (my grandad Martel). I recall in my late teens, Uncle Rennie and Aunt Hilma as newlyweds, lived with us at my parent's home until their first daughter was born. Thereafter, they moved into a home of their own. It wasn't the same without them, but I learnt to accept and adapt. 'Back in the day', relatives lived in the same household, when family initially came to England - they found work, saved sufficient funds and moved into their own homes. Uncle Rennie was hardworking and his manager continued to employ him way past his retirement. He also worked in Slough, which I didn't know at the time. Around the same period, the organisation I worked for, relocated to Slough. I recall on my way to work on the train, this particular morning, as I gazed out of the window taking in the scenery as the train slowed down on its approach into Slough Station, when I thought I saw Uncle Rennie in the yard of an engineering company, I wasn't a hundred percent sure it was Uncle Rennie, but the man resembled him. I later learnt he was employed by that particular engineering company in Slough. Each morning from then on, I would look out for him on my daily commute and sure enough on various occasions he would be in the yard working. I told him that I would see him some mornings in the yard - he was quite amused as he didn't know I also worked in Slough. I was devastated when I heard of Uncle Rennie's passing, it was so sudden and a shock. It is said time is a great healer. I feel honoured to have celebrated his 80th Birthday with him (pre-Covid lockdown last year), not knowing it would be his last. A man of his generation gone, but not forgotten. Events such as a birthday celebration is priceless, when that special person is no longer here. I truly feel blessed to have had that moment captured on camera for prosperity, singing Happy Birthday and eating a slice of his birthday cake with him - those memories are Golden. Rest in eternal peace Uncle Rennie, perfect peace. Kim x

Uncle Rennie was a true gentleman, I remember spending summer holidays with Aunty Lola and going to visit him and Aunt Hilma. As I child i felt safe around him as he was like a giant and so gentle and caring. My condolences go out to Aunt Hilma Debbie and Caroline. Uncle Rennie last of a great pioneering generation thank you for being you.

Rennie was a special person to me. When i came into this country, he was like a father figure. He taught me to walk the straight line and showed me how to navigate the system. He guided me through many decisions and was present for all the important events in my life. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Rennie was a very special person to me from the time i came into this Country he taught me how to walk the straight line and i took his lesson well am never caught up on the wrong side of the law i see him as a father figure to me our friendship was close than people knew i r