This site is a tribute to Eddy, who was born in Rajamahendravam (Rajamundry), India on October 21, 1935. 

Eddy, Edward, Dad, Grandad, Brother, Uncle was and is much loved and will always be remembered by his family, friends and the community he served. Eddy, like his much beloved Mary, gave and shared so much love, kindness and warmth to so many. 

Edward (Eddy) Harold Anthony Etheridge was born to James & Joy Etheridge in Rajamahendravam (Rajamundry), close to the East Coast of  India on 21st October 1935. Joseph and Joy's second child, second to his big brother Michael (Mick), and then followed by Marie, Colleen, James (Jim), Margaret, and little brother David (Dave).

Eddy’s early childhood was dominated by messing around, studying hard, going to Church, his love and interest of nature, and trying to avoid being whacked by his Mum (a nurse) and Dad (a Sergeant Major in the Royal Medical Corp)! Following partition in 1947 Dad's family moved to Kidderminster and Kettering, then re-stationed to Tripoli in 1952 for two-years, and eventually settling in Woolwich, South-East London as military family.   

Dad flirted with being a bit of a Teddy Boy enjoying his time with his siblings as well as making friends having a great social life in the Dance-halls and Clubs on 1950s London. On one of his nights out he met a young beautiful girl called Mary, who already had plenty of suitors and admirers. But he managed to turn her head, and even though both sets of parents weren’t entirely on board they married in September 1959. This began a long and happy marriage. Three wonderful children quickly followed, with cousin Paul joining the family to add to the chaos, and several years later No.4 appeared. With Mary working, volunteering and managing a chaotic and busy household, Eddy worked three jobs, whilst  his commitments to the Church, St. Bennet’s, and later St. Thomas More’s and all the many fundraising events. 

Eddy worked for the General Post Office (GPO), then Selfridges Bank and then LLoyds Bank, working at a number of branches in Gravesend, Stepney, Mile End and Stratford. Making lots of friends who were always considered family. After his retirement he worked for the MoD Guard Service first working in Whitehall, then lately working on the Royal Arsenal Site which seemed to involve playing snooker and pool! He also worked and volunteered as a youth leader for many years at a number of youth clubs, including Danson Youth Club, Bexleyheath during the 1970s and 1980s. We can remember grown men stopping us, and thanking our Dad profusely for literally helping save their lives, stopping them going down the wrong track or making the wrong choice in life, and for having the kindness, patience, faith and belief in them. 

In all the wonderful messages we have received it is Eddy’s warmth and generosity, mischievousness, humour, good counsel and kindness that is repeated over and over. Eddy believed in potential and positivity in everybody and everyone. Looking for the good, and ignoring or downplaying any negatives. Seeing the best in everyone.

Now, although not quite as good a host as his beloved Mary, no one ever left our house without a hug, a kind word, or a story of hope, friendship or love. And if he was in a pub or a social club, he would always want to get the rounds in, and get the dancing going on the dancefloor. 

We were, like everyone who met Dad, blessed to have him in our lives, as our Dad, our friend, and our rock our constant.  He completed our Mum, as she completed him. Enabling them to keep each other topped up with her overabundance of love, enabling them to share and continue sharing that love with, and for others. And enabling them to be fantastic parents to Keith, Ian, Louise, Paul and Graeme, and Grandparents to their Grandchildren. 

Finally, we will leave you with this simple thought. Even in your darkest moments, please know that you were and have been loved by our Dad, and Mum, and by God. Our Dad knew that each and every one of you has value, potential, and is amazing and precious. So in the words of Eddy "be kind to yourself, and be kind to others".