Eric's eulogy
2020 Parish Magazine
At rest
Eric Tiso
October 13th Aged 90 years.
Eric's sudden death was a great shock to all the family and friends. He always hoped and prayed he would reach his 90th birthday and was able to celebrate this in the garden with his family in July. Eric's early childhood was not a happy time, having spent his first 12 years in children's homes in Tamworth and Lichfield. In 1942 he came to live in Harlaston with foster parents - Mr. & Mrs. Fox at Rectory Gate. The Foxes were very involved in church and village life, so he was very soon put to work helping at the Rectory, stoking the church boiler and, aged 14, taught how to dig graves in the churchyard.
He was on the Parochial Church Council for over 50 years, part of that time acting as treasurer. Before the church clock was electric, he had to climb the tower ladder to wind it up and change the hour. He also rang the bells for weddings and special events.
He also served for 50 years on the Parish Council, some of that time as Chairman.
Eric was one of the founder members of the Garden Guild and he also helped to start the Indoor Bowls Club in the Village Hall and was a member of the Barton under Needwood Bowls Club.
When the village had a scout group, he was assistant scout master.
In the past he had helped Tony [Palmer] delivering the milk around local villages and up until three years ago had delivered many Parish Magazines, often being the first person to meet any new people moving into the village.
Eric loved music and had sung with the Tamworth Choral Society and the Needwood Singers as well as the Mease Valley Choir.Â
Harlaston meant a lot to Eric and he was always willing to help in any way he could.
He will be sadly missed in the community.
"Grant him Eternal Rest O Lord"