Frank Brown remembered by family and friends

SIDFORD’S former sub-postmaster has died in Spain while on holiday.

Frank Brown, who ran the Post Office from 1987 to 1998, died of liver failure caused by diabetes, last Tuesday (September 7), after being rushed to hospital. He was 64.

His family are unsure of funeral arrangements until his body is flown home.

Frank, born in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, was one of four children and only son of Fred and May Brown.

Leaving school at 15, he worked in food retail, becoming a manager. In the late 1970s he bought a fish and chip shop in Ilkeston which he expanded to create Ilson Chippy.

He met his wife Gina at a local dance and they were married for 42 years. The couple and their only child Adrian, moved to Sidford in 1987.

Adrian said: “He soon developed a reputation as a person who would go the extra mile for customers and the numbers of people using the Post Office doubled in just two years.”

In the decade to come, before retiring to Spain, he became involved in local issues and organisations in Sidford as well as offering help and advice to customers.

For seven years he was treasurer and senior volunteer at Sidford Social Hall, helping to improve the building and stage many events there.

Adrian said: “Hundreds of people…will remember Frank for his great sense of humour. He always had a smile and plenty of time for anybody wanting a chat or help.”

Gill Turbitt from Higher Woolbrook Park, Sidmouth, worked part-time with Frank at the Post Office.

She said: “I started to work for Frank in January 1994 and shortly after, Anita Mason joined the team. We spent over four very happy years working together.

“Frank was a sincere man and always ready to support and help the village of Sidford. He looked forward to his holidays abroad and was always happy to take on a new venture - their property in Spain followed by a guest house in France before retiring and returning to England.

“Anita and I continued to remain in touch with Frank and Gina and met several times to recall memories of our Post Office days.

“Frank was an excellent Postmaster, employer and a very good friend.”

*You can pay tribute to Frank online at www.sidmouthherald.co.uk