My father, Brian Grace, who has died aged 88, overcame early disadvantages to forge a life revolving around his family, his work as an engineering inspector, and the betting shop – not always in that order. The son of Fred Grace, a bus driver with London Transport, and Lillian (nee Turpin), an advertising model, Brian was born in Battersea, south-west London, with disabilities that required a series of operations on his leg and foot. Brian attended local schools in Battersea and then Wimbledon but during the blitz his intended secondary school was requisitioned by the fire service and students were sent their work at home. Lacking formal education, Brian often relied on wit, charm and a characteristic optimism. She survives him as do their four children, Deborah, Louise, Finlay and me, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Source: The Guardian January 10, 2019 18:11 UTC