Year: 2014
Obituary for Len (Tiger) Payne for the 2015 Gazette 2622889 Len Payne (Tiger) Master Cook - Chairman of the Caterham Branch, died suddenly in his sleep on Monday 21st October 2014.
His family had a private cremation. He was called Tiger because of the Tigers head he had tattooed on his chest.
Tiger joined the Regiment in the 1940's and was sent to Germany. He served in Egypt, Tripoli, Cyprus, Cameroons and again in Germany and then finally in Pirbright. He was a great Master Cook, his buffets were fantastic, the likes of which will not be seen in the Regimental Messes again. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he would help anyone who needed it. He had a great sense of a humour and a quick wit , with many funny stories to tell.
When he left the Regiment he became a chef for the Prison Service. He was a member and great supporter of the Caterham Branch for many years and became Chairman of the Branch in 1999, when John Mayes left to move to Sussex. He kept the Branch going with the other officials, until the attendance was so low, it was not sustainable. We had our farewell dinner and dance on the 19th November 2011.Tiger was instrumental along with other officials of the Branch, in arranging for a tree to be planted in the Arboretum and a bench to be put on the sports field in the Caterham Barracks with two plaques, one for the Grenadier Guards Association, Caterham Branch; the other saying “donated by the Caterham Branch in honour of all guardsmen who marched through Caterham” We have added one for Tiger, he was a very proud Grenadier. He will be greatly missed by his many friends.
Pat Mason
Vice President Caterham Branch