TRAFFIC came to a standstill on Barrack Road in Christchurch on Tuesday when Chief Fire Officer, Keith Chaffey lead a cortege in honour of long-serving former fire commander, Kenneth Malpass, who passed away aged 91.
Bournemouth Echo:
The Christchurch fire engine with it’s blue flashing lights brought Barrack Road to a standstill in honour of Ken, who saved countless lives fighting fires as it wound it's way to Christchurch Ceremony Hall at Tapper Funeral Service in the town.Bournemouth Echo:
Ken joined Dorset Fire Service as Area Commander for the Eastern Division in 1976 and lived in Westbourne with his wife Mary and two daughters, before moving to Lilliput.
Ken tackled a series of serious blazes, including the notorious forest fires of 1976 and the blaze at Bournemouth Bus and Coach Station in the same year.

Bournemouth Echo:


During the summer of 1976, temperatures reached 35.6 Celsius, 500 people were trapped in Matchams Stadium as one of the New Forest’s worst fires raged. And hundreds of people were evacuated as 50ft high flames came within yards of Oakdene caravan site at St Leonards.
Ken fought the fire at the Bournemouth Bus and Coach Station, which saw the blaze alter the town permanently and in 1979, Ken fought the fire at the Royal Bath Hotel - Bournemouth’s biggest hotel blaze since the Second World War. 

Bournemouth Echo:


Kenneth was born in Tunstall Stoke-on-Trent and served in the Royal Artillery at age 18. Ken and Mary married and had two daughters.
Ken won two bravery awards with the City Of Stoke-on-Trent Fire Brigade and made Assistant Divisional Commander with the Royal Berkshire Fire Service in 1968.
Ken was a member of Bournemouth Rotary Club, for 38 years, during which time he was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship. A keen sailor, Ken built Mariken, his own motor sail boat. He was an active member and one time Rear Commodore of Royal Motor Yacht Club. In retirement Ken was Fire Safety Inspector for National Trust south and committee member of Poole Sea Cadets. 
Ken’s daughter Delyth said: “Dad was a huge family man, a quiet but strong presence in our family who was always ready to offer advice and support, when asked! He was a devoted husband to our mum and cared for her at home in last years when she suffered with dementia.
“Dad was a proud and a loving father to both his daughters, Gramps to four and Great Gramps to seven who will miss him dearly.”

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