MUCH-loved Bulphan resident, Erwin Hanneman has passed away.
Erwin’s story is well documented. How he came to the area as one of the Laindon-based POWs. Met a local girl and stayed ever since.
Erwin was such a doyen of the Bulphan community that he received a Thurrock Civic Award in 2006.
We will leave the family to grieve for their loss.
But a number of Bulphan residents paid their own tributes to Erwin.
‘A wonderful gentlemen. His smiling face will be sadly missed. The village has lost a treasure’.
‘I am privileged to have known Erwin for 50 years: in all that time I have never known him to be less than the perfect gentlemen, and I have never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. My children, grandchildren and great grandchildren all loved him as much as I did’.
‘We would really like to say how much this lovely gentlemen will be missed. We will remember you fondly, and with great respect it was a privilege to have known you’.
‘Erwin, a jolly, cuddly uncle who always had a broad smile on his face. He was one of the most decent, kind and generous human beings and we shall miss him so. What a great example of how to live your life. Rest in peace dear Erwin’.
‘A hardworking gentleman who had time for everyone and was a pleasure to know’.
‘Erwin was a brilliant neighbour, always watching out for everybody. He was a hard worker, kind, caring, fun loving and always there to help anyone in need. He is part of Bulphan and Bulphan for me will not seem the same place without him. He will be sorely missed.’
‘Bulphan in Bloom was formed partly due to residents being inspired by Erwin. He had singlehandedly maintained the village grassed areas and planted flowers for many years. It became part of Erwin’s life – still coming along to help when he should have been taking things easy. Erwin collected the awards for Bulphan in Bloom on behalf of the village. His legacy of Bulphan in Bloom will keep his heart and soul with us in the village for a long time.’
‘A true ambassador of the village and life’.
Farewell Erwin! As an 18 year old I applied for a job at the motel in Bulphan and you interviewed me and offered me a job as assistant restaurant manager. Your guidance was very much appreciated and helped me through my working life. I’m now 66 and a pensioner. God bless Erwin and thank you! You were a true gentleman!