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Ashford: Well-known resident who strove to help town, George Galdies, dies aged 82

By: Charlie Harman

Published: 09:25, 21 September 2018

Updated: 09:26, 21 September 2018

A well-known council groundsman who worked in Victoria Park for more than 20 years has died aged 82.

George Galdies moved to Ashford in March 1964 after being born in Turkey.

The dad-of-two, who has six great-grandchildren, was a regular face in the Kentish Express for years.

George Galdies worked for the council for more than two decades, and loved the town he'd lived in for 54 years.

He worked for Ashford Borough Council as a groundsman and looked after Victoria Park for 21 years before retiring at 55.

His granddaughter Melanie Stanford, who lives in Brisbane, Australia, said: "George was a well-known member of the Ashford community.

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"He was always contacting the council and papers to make sure the neighbourhood was maintained and kept safe for everyone else.

George Galdies railed against half-hearted council pothole repairs on Brookfield road. Picture : Gary Browne

"He was a very selfless, wonderful man with a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.

"The world won’t be the same without him.

"He was a devoted husband, proud father, a loving grandad and a doting great-grandad who will forever be dearly missed, but never forgotten."

George Galdies unsuccessfully campaigned against proposals to shut the Vicarage Lane public loos. Picture: Gary Browne

Mr Galdies, of Boxley, South Ashford, died last Wednesday following heart failure after becoming sick with pneumonia.

His wife Emmie - who Mr Galdies called Em - is still living in their Boxley home.

The pair had married in 1959.

George Galdies tried to maintain the look and feel of the town, also opposing the size of Vodafone boxes on Bybrook Road. Picture: Martin Apps

Following his retirement, Mr Galdies continued working on private gardens while cheering up nearby garage workers with cups of tea and popping in for chats.

He had previously worked at a tailors in London before moving to Ashford.

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He is survived by his son Joseph, daughter Helena, three granddaughters, two grandsons, three great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters.

George Galdies made the news after photographing a rare albino sparrow in 2012

His funeral will take place at Charing Crematorium on Monday (September 24) at 3.20pm. The wake will follow at the Kennington Carvery in Ulley Road.

Donations instead of flowers if desired the British Heart Foundation.

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