Bumped head led to devastating diagnosis
WIDOW PAYS TRIBUTE TO FORMER SOLDIER AND CHAIRMAN OF BURTON’S ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, WHO WENT INTO HOSPITAL AFTER A FALL BUT WAS THEN TOLD HE HAD TERMINAL STOMACH CANCER, AND DIED JUST DAYS LATER
A FORMER soldier who went into hospital after bumping his head was given the devastating news that he had terminal cancer, his distraught widow has said.
Ken Compton, who lived in Winshill died aged 72, after being diagnosed with stomach cancer in August after he had a fall and banged his head.
Ken, a former chairman of Staffordshire County and Burton upon Trent Royal British Legion, is survived by four children – Brian, Casey, Amy and Alison – and seven grandchildren.
He served in the Army for 23 years and did his basic training with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Regiment, but later transferred to the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, serving in Kenya, Cyprus, Malta, Germany and Northern Ireland.
After retiring from the Army he worked as a farm manager at Packington Farm and lived in Rider House, in Stapenhill Road.
Wife Anne Compton said: “When we found out Ken was diagnosed with stomach cancer it was a tough one to take and completely out of the blue.
“When the doctor told us it was terminal, we realised whatever time we have left with Ken, we need to spend it with him and make the most of it.
“Ken was a lovely person and had always loved animals; over the 32 years we were married there have been numerous pets, including rabbits, cats and dogs.
“He came from a farming background, back in Somerset, where he was originally from, so when he was working at Packington Farm he really enjoyed it.
“Ken had a huge passion for model trains and that’s why he got on really well with my dad, who was a train driver.
“Not only did Ken have the opportunity to drive steam engines, but he developed his passion into model trains and built a large layout in the back garden, and travelled the country visiting train and steam events to add to his collection.
“He will be missed massively by his fiends and family, especially other veterans he still kept in touch with up and down the country.
“I would like to say thank you to everyone who have sent their condolences and it was very nice to hear the good words they had to say about him.”
Ken died on Thursday, September 10.