Kentish Express Ashford & District
Gatekeeper died a week before his retirement
The r a i l way g a t e k e e p e r a t Chartham’s level crossing has died from a fall following decades of service just a week before his retirement.
Tributes have flooded in for Ashford resident Vic Court, who manned the wooden barriers at the busy line linking London with the coast.
He was well-known in the village and would regularly have friendly exchanges with waiting motorists.
Parish council chairman Carol Manning called him “an absolute legend” and said his sudden death had shocked and saddened everyone.
Network Rail area director Paul Rutter added: “He was well known in Kent and the rail industry, where he had notched up 30 years of service.
“He was also known for being thoroughly committed to his job, cared about the railway and his family and we will miss him.”
Victor was 69 and had been looking forward to a well-earned retirement when he fell at a family barbecue and hit his head, suffering a brain injury.
Devastated loved ones gave doctors consent to switch off his life-support machine days later.
Daughter Mandy Curtin said: “He was a fit and healthy man so it was such a shock.
“It was just a week before he was due to retire. He’d told people at work, so they could say goodbye.
“He was looking forward to keeping busy – from pottering in his garden, to fishing with his grandchildren.”
Mr Court lived in Noakes Meadow, Ashford, and is survived by his wife Eunice.
He was father of two daughters, Mandy and Julie, and had four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Mandy said: “Surprisingly he wasn’t a sociable sort as such – I think he actually enjoyed his own company.
“That’s why I think the job suited him. He’d give a wave to people, have a chat. He used to joke that he had to climb those steps 150 times a day.”
Mandy says the family have been taken aback at the flood of heartfelt messages received.
“He was obviously well-known in the area, and we’ve received lovely messages which we’re thankful for.
“One described him as ‘gate-keeper extraordinaire’, which I thought was lovely.”
Mr Court was a Jehovah’s Witness and a memorial was held at The Kingdom Hall in Hamstreet yesterday (Wednesday) which was followed by a cremation at Charing and a wake at The Holiday Inn in Kennington.