TRIBUTES CONTINUE TO POUR IN FOR BIG ISSUE SELLER RALPH (From Bournemouth Echo)

TRIBUTES CONTINUE TO POUR IN FOR BIG ISSUE SELLER RALPH

8:26am Tuesday 12th May 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

BIG Issue seller Ralph Millward has been remembered as a “lovely guy” and a “gentleman” as tributes continue to pour in.

The 41-year-old homeless man was discovered dead at 7am on Friday morning near his usual pitch in Seamoor Road in Westbourne outside the Marks and Spencer food store.

A book of condolence has been opened on this website where Ralph has been described as an “integral part of the community”.

Silky said: “RIP Ralph. You will be missed, mate.

Your polite manner in all weathers while selling the Big Issue made my day every day when I worked in your area.”

Sophie said: “I’m shocked, and so sad. RIP Ralph. I lived in Westbourne for four years and passed you nearly every day and you were always so polite and cheery come rain, shine and the random snowy days.”

Steve and Penny wrote: “Ralph was a lovely guy and we'll miss him. Capable of great warmth and spirit, hugely polite, he was always fun to shoot the breeze with. Ralph, you won’t be forgotten.”

htwest01 wrote: “You were a part of the community in Westbourne and everyone I have spoken to has nothing but good to say about you. We all loved you – such a gentleman and such a part of this community. Goodbye to a lovely man and sleep well with your books and your pride.”

sarahlou80 said: “You always managed to brighten up my day with the sense of peace you brought to our community.”

Siwych said: “Ralph, I have only lived in Westbourne for 18 months but I would just like to say that you were an integral part of the community. Never a day went by that I didn't see you. You are already very sadly missed.”

Ken Millward, his father, said: “He had his faults.

He wasn't ideal. But he was still our son and we loved him and we can’t say any more than that. He was greatly loved.”

Samantha Allen, the Big Issue’s Bournemouth area manager, said: “Ralph had been a Big Issue vendor for over eight years.

“During that time he had become well respected and loved by staff and volunteers at the Big Issue as well as with his customers and within the wider community.

“We will always remember Ralph coming into the office at five to four each day with a smile on his face and his nose in a book. He was a caring gentleman who brightened our day and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

A service of thanksgiving will be held at a date to be fixed at West Cliff Baptist Church in Poole Road.