MROC Obituaries

Here is information relating to members who've passed away in the recent past

Valerie (Britnell) Kesterton - Feb 2023 : 

Valerie Kesterton passed away on Wednesday 8th February after a 5 year battle with cancer. She suffered with illness all of her life and bravely overcome everything else thrown at her such was her innermost strength.

Val's funeral & wake took place on Monday 20th March with a collection in Val’s memory for the UHB Charity (Queen Elizabeth Hospital, who looked after her for all of her adult life).  Donations, if desired, can be sent c/o Franklin & Hawkins Funeral Directors, 0121 779 5577.  Thanks, John K

Our love of caravan holidays took us to many different places together, plus our love of concerts, festivals and our dogs, so many happy memories.

She was a full club member and until recent times she often supported club activites including nationals  and events and offered me great support through my many years on committee. Val loved our Defender, caravanning, green laning and in the background supported my work with the Response Group.. 


Roy Fazakerley - Nov 2022: 

Long standing life member of the club Roy died unexpectedly on 16th November 2022.

Roy spent time on the Club committee as Club Shop, Caravanning and Treasurer.

He was a very keen trials competitor and caravaner in the 70’s and 80’s and made many friends.

He spent less time with the club when he and his wife June bought the Tally-Ho, a country pub near Tenbury Wells which they ran until recently. They left the pub to enjoy retirement on their narrowboat. Unfortunately Roy’s underlying illness meant that they could not go out boating as much as they would have liked to do. Roy will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His funeral was held at Wyre Forest Crematorium on 9th December.


Rob Guilding - Oct 2022 : 

More sad news. Rob passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Oct. 16th 2022.
Rob will be well known to many of our older members as a keen competitor and for the many events that took place at the family home, Leys Farm in Herefordshire in the 1980s & for giving the off-roading "bug" to daughter Liz (our Club Chair)  & son Will. Rob joined the Club back in 1979 & until recently 1 was of 3 generations of Guilding's in the Club. Our condolences go out to the family in this difficult time.

Debbie Rock - Oct 2022 : 

The Club sends its condolences to Phil Rock & family for the loss of his wife Debbie who passed away on Monday, Oct 10th 2022.
after a long uphill battle with health issues. It's been quite some time since she was involved in Club activities, but will be known to many as a cheerful, helpful, caring and kind soul. Phil has sent a Thank you for all the kind messages and cards. Thanks again, Phil

Beryl Oakden - Sept 2022 : 

The Club sends its condolences to Peter Oakden & family for the loss of his wife Beryl, who passed away on the 6th Sept. 2022.
Peter is still a member of the Club after joining more than 50 years ago. Peter & Beryl were very active members of the Club & Beryl was key support for Peter in various roles in MROC & 10 years as Chairman of the ARC (now the ALRC). Both were keen supporters of our caravan & camping rallies & were regular attendees at the annual Welland Steam Rally. The Funeral service was at Bretby Crematorium (DE15 0QE) at 1PM on Friday 7th of October.
Peter would like to thank those who have either directly or indirectly sent condolences, your thoughts are much appreciated.

Roger Cooper - Aug 2022 :

Another long term member of the Club, Roger Cooper passed away on the 27th August. Roger was younger bother of 1 of the Club's founding members, Tony Cooper (Member #12 !) & had relocated to Angle in Pembrokeshire some time ago, so hadn't been involved in Club activities for quite a while - although remaining a member.

Geoff Squires - Jan 2022 :

A very long term & well known member of the Club, died on 23rd Jan. 2022.
His funeral was 25th Feb at 12.30 at Wyre Forest crematorium, Minster Road. Kidderminster DY13 8DE.  There was a wake follow ing in Stourport. 

Kathy Armstrong - Aug 2021 :

Long term active member of the Club, Kathy Armstrong passed away on the 7th August 2021. Kathy will be sadly missed by family & friends & the many people she interacted with via Club events over the 40+ years with us. Our best wishes go out to husband Martin & the rest of the family.

Kathy's funeral was at St Margaret’s Church in Olton (St Margaret’s Road, Olton, Solihull B92 7JS)
Charity donations in celebration of Kathy's life can be made to 1 of her favorite charities, Cancer Research UK