Hugh William Frank Fuller
4 February 1933-23 January 2017
Hugh was born in Wanstead, East London, and attended Forest School, Walthamstow, where his father Bob was also educated, at the beginning of the Second World War.
For reasons he never fully explained, Hugh hated the school and decided to find a way to escape. From his point of view the sporadic bombing raids were the only fun part of Forest, but he sacrificed these brief excitements by telling his mother how frightening they were, and was promptly moved to the relative safety of the countryside and a new school, Bradfield College.
Hugh went on to run the family building business, Fullers Builders, which has been established in Walthamstow since 1872. Over the years, Fullers undertook many projects at Forest School, including the Aston Block, Whitmore Building and the science laboratories, although under Hugh’s guidance the company became best known for specialist renovation work for clients such as English Heritage.
Having hated being a pupil at Forest School himself, Hugh sent both his sons, Patrick and William there, and later his daughter Alice was one of the first girls to attend the sixth form in 1978. There were many facets to Hugh’s life, he was in business with his cousin, Peter (another Old Forester), he was a member of the Worshipful Livery Company of Tylers and Bricklayers and a Magistrate in Forest Gate.
When he retired in 1996, Hugh and his wife Ann went to live in Southwold, involving themselves with many local projects. Hugh continued to have a passionate interest in buildings of all shapes and sizes, including the ingenious renovation of an old bakery, Ginger’s House, where he lived to his death.
Towards the end of his life he wrote these memoirs based on his experience doing his National Service in Germany, a favourite topic of conversation.
He left his beloved wife Ann of 60 years, five children Clare, Lucy, Alice, Patrick and William, thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren as well as many friends from all walks of life. Hugh was a true gentleman and we all miss him.