Kentish Express Ashford & District
Street pastor who helped scores of people dies at 92
Dedicated volunteer will be ‘sorely missed’
A dedicated volunteer who gave support and comfort on the streets late at night has died aged 92.
Former Ashford Street Pastor Eric Cooney, of Apsley Street, died last month at the William Harvey Hospital following a battle with oesophageal cancer.
The great-grandfather, who was a devoted Christian, volunteered his time at St Mary’s church in the town centre for 30 years.
He was among a group of Christians who formed the Ashford’s Street Pastors scheme in 2010 - caring for vulnerable people on the streets on Friday nights.
Born in Lewisham in 1926, Mr Cooney married twice throughout his lifetime and went on to have five children, including one stepson.
He was a reservist during the Second World War while training to be a civil engineer, then served in Egypt.
Later he worked on the construction of nuclear power stations, before retiring and working as a volunteer in the community.
His daughter Jo Wade, who lives in Cumbria, said: “He was quite a unique character, he had a strong faith and he wanted to put his faith into action.
“He retired 30 years ago and worked as a volunteer since - prior to that he worked all over the world.”
During his time as a street pastor, he supported more than 1,700 people and removed more than 5,000 potentially dangerous bottles and glasses from the streets of Ashford.
He only stepped down from the role last year - aged 91 - as he found it too cold to continue with patrols, but still remained committed to serving the town during the day.
Sue Sawyer, the warden at St Mary’s, has paid tribute to her “lovely, warm and generous” colleague.
“Eric was very impatient, he liked to get things done and he wanted action,” she said.
“He was a volunteer for a number of charities.
“He used to drive elderly people to various appointments and would read local and national newspapers for people who were blind.
“He used to cycle 10 miles a day until more recently when he cut it down to seven.
“Eric had a habit of breaking the rules - I think he forgave me for always telling him to put on his helmet.
“He was very faithful to the church, he attended St Mary’s for 30 years and he will be sorely missed.”
■ Friends and colleagues are invited to attend a memorial service at St Mary's on Tuesday (November 26) from 1.30pm.