Pakenham Village Tributes : Henry Painter

HENRY PAINTER 1949 – 2023
We were very sad when we heard about Henry's recent death. He had become such an asset to our local community and will be sadly missed.
His first architectural project when the family arrived in Pakenham was refurbishing their new home" The Kennels" at Upper Town, which they renamed "Christmas House" as they moved in over that season.

Henry joined the Parish Council in May 1995 and served continuously until his recent death. When he became PC Chairman, and with his knowledge as a Chartered Architect, he was well able to guide the PC through many difficult planning issues. Throughout this period, I served alongside Henry as Vice Chairman and got to know him well during our many discussions on PC business. He was a very approachable and fair man giving everyone a chance to voice their concerns or opinions at PC meetings.

He was always keen to save and support village amenities including The Fox PH and The Post Office Stores which continue to serve us so well. But of course, Henry will always be remembered in Pakenham for the wonderful new Village Hall he designed and project managed, and also, just round the corner, the rebuild of Compton Cottage after that disastrous fire.

Henry really enjoyed events and gatherings that brought the village together such as Village Cafe and several Queen's Jubilee Celebrations. He even liked the thankless task of organizing our annual PC Christmas dinner at local hostelries, I think we tried them all over the years.

Henry loved the village and people of Pakenham, and I remember on several occasions him saying "I just like to help people", and it seems appropriate that he is laid to rest in our parish cemetery. My thoughts and prayers go to Lynda and the family in their loss.

Derek Dorling.

PV&CN - August 2023