Nigel Anderson Graham King 1943 – 2023

14 June 1943 – 6 March 2023

In March, we sadly bid farewell to a much-loved friend: Nigel King. He was a very popular and well-regarded man, reflected by the sheer number of people who came to pay their respects. After valiantly battling cancer for many years, he passed away peacefully at LOROS, surrounded by his loved ones.

Rev. Anthony Lees-Smith, leading the celebration of Nigel’s life, told that he was born in 1943 to teachers Vi and Arthur in Sunderland. Growing up happily in Bedford with his younger sister, Diana, he enjoyed playing with many friends and listening to the music of the day on the King’s record player – the first of his peers to buy records by Buddy Holly, Fats Domino and others. The seeds for travelling the world were sown very early on; he would pore over books full of blue skies and sandy beaches in preparation for his parents’ emigration to Australia. Although that never materialised, wanderlust had firmly taken root…

Inspired by his art teacher father, Nigel was always creative. He studied Architectural Design at Leicester and then Manchester, where he met the love of his life and future wife, trainee teacher, Margaret. One day, Nigel was surprised to spot Margaret, standing on the saddle of her bike, peering in through his window! She was trying to see into the house as there was a room to rent – being a perfect gentleman, Nigel invited her in for a proper look – as they say, the rest is history!

Following university, Nigel spent much of his 20s on an epic voyage, hitch-hiking and taking ships, trains, planes and automobiles across Turkey, Afghanistan, India and Indonesia to Darwin, Australia. He worked as a ship’s cook, fruit salesman, road construction worker and driver to fund exploring the marvels of ‘down -under’ – Ayres Rock, Alice Springs, The Great Barrier Reef and Sydney, before (briefly) returning to his career as an architect and family life in England.

Marrying Margaret in 1978, they had a blissful marriage in the fun and relaxed atmosphere of 70s and 80s London, with Nigel working on the development of St Katherine’s Dock and the restoration of Kensington Palace.

However, the lure of travelling the world proved too great; in 1982 they spent 7 months trekking in Sri Lanka, India, Kashmir and the Himalayas. Another idyllic lifestyle followed, with Nigel working as a handyman at a picturesque woodland barn, near Margaret’s mother’s German family near Hamburg.

In 1987, the couple and their new son, Robert, settled in Ingarsby Drive in Evington, next door to Margaret’s parents, Hella and David. Nigel worked for many years at County Hall, with Margaret teaching, most recently at Whitehall. He was a devoted husband and father; he cherished his family. Happy times were spent camping in UK and Europe and tending their family allotment at Evington Hilltop.

Unfortunately, their retirement plans were marred when both Margaret and Nigel were diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, Margaret passed away shortly after, in 2013. Nigel had cared for her devotedly despite being ill himself, and was obviously devastated. However, he managed to pick himself up by throwing himself into his art and his allotment (recently shared with and passed onto Robert’s partner Joanna.)

A talented artist, Nigel was a keen member of Leicester Sketch Club, Crown Hills, Oadby and Houghton Art Societies. He took over the reins of Peter Sumpter’s art class following Peter’s death, giving it a new twist during covid restrictions. Unable to meet in person, Nigel set a topic for the class, forming inspiring collages of the group’s artworks. He also co-ordinated the community collage celebrating St Denys Church’s 800^th anniversary. He often had paintings accepted into the Leicester Open Exhibition; recently colourful paintings of local garage mechanics at work and renovations underway at Foxton Locks. He loved experimenting with different art styles, including abstract art, lino and screen printing. He was also a keen photographer and birdwatcher.

Taking up folk dancing at Burton Overy, he became friends with Jennifer. They had many shared interests including theatre, cinema, concerts and visiting the Botanic Gardens, as well as trips throughout Britain, bringing much happiness to them both during Nigel’s last years.

Welcoming grand-daughter Emily into the world in 2019, he loved helping her draw and paint, passing his skills onto a new generation. He embraced her enthusiasm for ‘helping’ at the allotment and her passion for collecting worms and creepy-crawlies! He was a real family man!

Personally, I have had the honour of Nigel and Margaret’s friendship for the last 18 years – they were both true friends. Nigel was always so inspiring and creative- he always had something interesting to discuss and offered fascinating insights into the wider world. I will miss our chats and his warm, welcoming nature – he had such a lust for life! He was always upbeat and never complained despite countless bouts of chemotherapy. He had boundless enthusiasm for trying new things – when a challenge arose, he always said, “I think I can handle it.”

Nigel will be fondly remembered for his sense of principle, his creative mindset and above all, his generosity and kindness of spirit. That kindness was reflected in everything he did and said. He was a gentle, modest, community-focused man who put the needs of others before his own.

Our thoughts go out to Robert, Joanna, Emily and Jennifer. Nigel will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Addy Tyler – with assistance from Nigel’s family and Rev. Anthony Lees-Smith