This page was created Monday 11th January 2021

In loving memory of Kevin Elstow aged 68- an adored husband for 31 years, inspirational father, lovable rogue brother, unfunny uncle and admirable friend.  

He truly was one of a kind- he will be remembered as warm hearted and much loved by all. He always put others first and you could rely on his encouragement and support as much as his stupid humour.

If you knew Kev, he was always dishevelled not a care in the world on how he looked. However, his appearance could not disguise this very clever, hugely talented, kind-hearted big friendly giant.  

Kev lived in Berkshire for the majority of his life. A man who was destined to work for himself, he worked for decades as an Architectural Draughtsman. His projects varied from small residential conversions, new flat developments to complete hotel refurbishments. He has drawn over 200 extensions in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and London. His generosity meant he was never able to charge his clients his worth so there are luckily a lot of people out there with bargain extensions. 

Bridge was a life-long passion he picked up at school. Kevin was a brilliant player and figured large in Berks and Bucks bridge for half a century. He was extremely well respected in the Bridge community and he would be honoured to know he featured on their website. (https://www.bridgewebs.com/bbcba/)

Kev was no stranger to a hospital bed, he fought unimaginable battles with countless illnesses and hospital visits. Over the last 10 years, the medical challenges included a liver transplant in 2012, kidney failure, hip replacement, liver rejection to cataract surgery. Despite everything he managed his illnesses with fortitude and not an ounce of self-pity. He normally defied all odds, bouncing back on a number of occasions and this is why we called him ‘Kev the Cat’ (The man with 9 lives) 

**On the 23rd December 2020 he died in hospital. Although his death was listed as multiple implications, he contracted Covid19. It’s heart-breaking when another number added to the daily death toll, is no longer just a number to you, it’s now a loved one. It’s your dad.  

Let me introduce myself. I'm his daughter, Amy. 

Unfortunately, there are no words I can write which give him enough credit to what a truly remarkable and loving dad he was to me. My heart is utterly broken and the void left cannot be filled nor the love replaced. I’ve written about my dad as I want you to understand my loss. Nothing can prepare you for losing a parent. 

My family are indebted to the NHS, the ones we call our heroes who wear scrubs not capes. We are hoping you will help us to raise money for Royal Free London ICU. He previously spent months of his life being looked after 24/7 by the absolutely amazing staff, doctors and nurses there. My dad was so thankful for the many professionals who have taken care of him including my mum. 

Over 2021, I want to give back! I will raise as much money as I can for the Royal Free Hospital. I have signed up for the 'Windsor Half Marathon' on 26th September which is funnily enough his birthday (must be fate) 

I plan to do other sporting and food events. My mother is a chef so we will also organise take away Thai food and maybe a cake sale. Please feel free to write suggestions.  

Please donate even if you didn't know Kevin, it would mean so much to me and my family. I want him to be proud now, more than ever.  

Sending my love to everyone who is reading this, everyone is fighting their own battles with CovId19. We will get through this together even if it means we have to be apart x  

Important Note: Kevin’s funeral will be held on Thursday 21st January at The Green Acres Chiltern. Any donations received will go to this page