1:54pm Wednesday 5th March 2008
A D-DAY veteran who became secretary of Thurrock Branch of the Essex and Royal Anglian Association.
Peter Giggens, 90, of Salisbury Road, Grays, who died on Sunday, March 2, was a well known figure in the community as he had been the secretary of the association for more than 25 years and had lived in Thurrock all his life.
He was diagnosed with mesothelioma, associated with exposure to asbestos, two years ago but had been particularly poorly for the last two months.
Mr Giggens is survived by his wife of 64 years Freda, 83, and children Pamela Patterson and Colin Giggens.
He was a member of the Normandy Veterans Association, and was tireless in his efforts to remember soldiers who lost their lives by visiting cemeteries in Normandy every year for the last 25 years.
He himself had played a part in liberating the town of Bayer, landing in Normandy on the morning of D-Day June 6 1944.
Mr Giggens also worked for the Shell refinery in Coryton for more than 43 years.
His family have paid tribute to a loving, dignified family man who was very popular in the street he and his wife lived in for 60 years, and who had the manners and respectability of a 'proper old gentleman.'
Daughter Pamela said: "He was a great family man, he loved to be surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
"He and my mum were very popular and always kept in touch with neighbours that moved away, at Christmas their house was always full of cards from old residents."
Borough MP Andrew Mackinlay has also paid tribute to Mr Giggens, saying: "We in Thurrock have lost a great veteran. He was a wonderful, gallant man.
"He was a great gentleman and somebody I was very proud to know.
"Peter gave distinguished and very brave service to his country in World War II. Subsequently he did an enormous amount for his regiment of which he was very proud.
"My condolences go to his dear wife and family."
The family have expressed thanks to The Hospice at Home service and also to St Luke's Hospice for all their excellent support and care.
The funeral is on Friday, March 14 at 11.30am at the Regimental Chapel in Warley, where Mr Giggens was a trustee.
Please pay your tribute to Mr Giggens below.
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