Christchurch says goodbye to well-loved nomad, Cliff (From Thisisdorset)
When news happens send us your pictures, video and views. Text BE to 80360 or contact us by email
Christchurch says goodbye to well-loved nomad, Cliff
1:00pm Saturday 15th September 2012 in Latest By Katie Clark
REAL CHARACTER: Cliff Cunningham
TRIBUTES have flooded in for a well-loved homeless man supported by residents and kind-hearted traders in Christchurch.
Wanderer Cliff Cunningham, 57, who slept rough in the town, passed away in Bournemouth Hospital.
Cliff had based himself in Christchurch in the past few years, and was also well-known in Ringwood and Ashurst in the New Forest.
The popular nomad spent much of his childhood in Malta before moving back to Hampshire, where he left school at the age of 15 to start travelling.
Despite passing several O-levels, the conventional life was not for him and he moved around the UK and through Europe on his push bike, even spending time working in Israel on a kibbutz.
Postcards would be sent to family from various exotic locations and often Cliff would just turn up at home, expecting a feast, according to his sister Vanessa Cunningham.
She said Cliff, who was one of five siblings, loved music, his favourites including Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, and was never without his radio.
“Many people met and loved him along his travels,” Vanessa said
“Many people were kind and helpful. He sometimes looked frightening and intimidating – but once you spoke to him you realised how kind and friendly he really was.”
“Many around the region were extremely kind and very understanding of his accepted way of life.”
Many traders including Oswald Bailey, Christchurch News in the High Street, The Cobblers in Saxon Square and William Hill all helped Cliff out when he was in town.
Special constable Brenda Traylen added: “Everyone who came to Christchurch knew him and so many people in the town were supporting him in different ways.
“He had a mailing address at one place, others looked after his medication, some heated up food for him and did his washing. There are too many to mention.
“I was his friend. He was a lovely, lovely man and he will be much missed by everyone. Cliff was a real free spirit.”
A service of farewell will take place at Christchurch bandstand on the Quay at 12.30pm on Tuesday September 25.
Everyone is welcome.
‘He was such a character’
Wendy Cummings, who is a regular visitor to Christchurch, said she was devastated when she learnt Cliff had died.
“I had only very recently spoken to him.
“He posed for some pictures for me so I could do this painting I was going to give him.
“He was such a character and I got chatting to him. He was lovely and a big part of the town.
“I’d love for the painting to be in Christchurch for him.”
Comments(21)
SaltySnout
says...
1:42pm Sat 15 Sep 12
elite50
says...
1:48pm Sat 15 Sep 12
A true free spirit.
Most of the rest of us put our noses to the grindstone, work for 50 years, raise our families and feel that we tried to be a success.
This bloke is a little bit different, he did what he wanted to do.
My wife and I just visited 2 of our sons and 3 of our grandchildren today.
I am not sure if I envy him or pity him.
Yes I am, he never had what we have!
R.I.P.
twynham
says...
2:13pm Sat 15 Sep 12
.
Great photo of him above; link to one of my favourites of Cliff in Johnnie Lovell's Pims tent!
.
https://www.dropbox.
com/s/pv9pux71detvhd
2/Johnnie%20%26%20Cl
iff%202.jpg
Was Charlie
says...
5:36pm Sat 15 Sep 12
elite50 wrote:You should envy him. He did what he wanted to do and obviously didn't know he was missing what you have because he never had them and didn't know what it was like to have them. He obviously didn't want them, otherwise he'd have lived the life you do.
What do you say about a bloke like this?
A true free spirit.
Most of the rest of us put our noses to the grindstone, work for 50 years, raise our families and feel that we tried to be a success.
This bloke is a little bit different, he did what he wanted to do.
My wife and I just visited 2 of our sons and 3 of our grandchildren today.
I am not sure if I envy him or pity him.
Yes I am, he never had what we have!
R.I.P.
.....
Are you as happy as he obviously was?
marcia, ferndown
says...
7:41pm Sat 15 Sep 12
A memory I have - Cliff was in a charity shop and gave the lady at the till £3, "what's this for" she asked. He said "I owe it. A week ago I wanted something to give to a friend but I was short of the money, the lady let me take it and I promised to come back as soon as I could, I've cycled miles to get here". The lady he'd seen, who was in the back of the shop, came out and thanked him. After he'd gone, she said "I thought I'd never see him again, that's my lesson learned, never judge a book by it's cover". A lesson for all of us. Good-night God-bless Cliff.
manana
says...
8:33pm Sat 15 Sep 12
marcia, ferndown wrote:He sounds like a wonderful and remarkable man...RIP
Rest in Peace Cliff, a true 'gentle'man.
A memory I have - Cliff was in a charity shop and gave the lady at the till £3, "what's this for" she asked. He said "I owe it. A week ago I wanted something to give to a friend but I was short of the money, the lady let me take it and I promised to come back as soon as I could, I've cycled miles to get here". The lady he'd seen, who was in the back of the shop, came out and thanked him. After he'd gone, she said "I thought I'd never see him again, that's my lesson learned, never judge a book by it's cover". A lesson for all of us. Good-night God-bless Cliff.
anonEmouse
says...
10:24pm Sat 15 Sep 12
elite50 wrote:Sounds to me that you do envy him, as if you feel that you worked for 50 years with your nose to the grindstone and only tried to be a success, well that says it all.....sounds like you have some regrets.
What do you say about a bloke like this?
A true free spirit.
Most of the rest of us put our noses to the grindstone, work for 50 years, raise our families and feel that we tried to be a success.
This bloke is a little bit different, he did what he wanted to do.
My wife and I just visited 2 of our sons and 3 of our grandchildren today.
I am not sure if I envy him or pity him.
Yes I am, he never had what we have!
R.I.P.
I bet Cliff didnt try, he did. And I bet he didnt have any regrets.
How condescending of you, to say you pity him. Sounds more like you pity yourself.
Bye for now Cliff!!
You are...
"Blowin in the wind" by Bob Dylan
Reeve 7
says...
11:15pm Sat 15 Sep 12
sounds like you misread elite 50
Does not sound condescending to me
R I P Cliff
elite50
says...
11:36pm Sat 15 Sep 12
Was Charlie wrote:You could not be happier than I am.
elite50 wrote: What do you say about a bloke like this? A true free spirit. Most of the rest of us put our noses to the grindstone, work for 50 years, raise our families and feel that we tried to be a success. This bloke is a little bit different, he did what he wanted to do. My wife and I just visited 2 of our sons and 3 of our grandchildren today. I am not sure if I envy him or pity him. Yes I am, he never had what we have! R.I.P.You should envy him. He did what he wanted to do and obviously didn't know he was missing what you have because he never had them and didn't know what it was like to have them. He obviously didn't want them, otherwise he'd have lived the life you do. ..... Are you as happy as he obviously was?
I wandered the world for 5 years but only found true happiness when being involved in family life.
But hey, we are all different.
Clarrie
says...
12:18am Sun 16 Sep 12
EGHH
says...
6:41am Sun 16 Sep 12
downmoor-ch63
says...
11:11am Sun 16 Sep 12
snake hips
says...
4:36pm Sun 16 Sep 12
kazzy70
says...
9:20pm Sun 16 Sep 12
PigWhistle0709
says...
11:09pm Sun 16 Sep 12
The Witch
says...
11:34am Mon 17 Sep 12
Crank
says...
11:53am Tue 18 Sep 12
stevobath
says...
12:35pm Tue 18 Sep 12
People astound me.
RIP CLIFF
Crank
says...
12:40pm Tue 18 Sep 12
pete woodley
says...
8:08pm Wed 19 Sep 12
funkyferret says...
1:40pm Sat 15 Sep 12