ALBERT JOHN FENSOM 9 September 1928 – 26 January 2012

Albert John Fensom: September 9, 1928-January 26, 2012

Published: 05:26PM Feb 8th, 2012
By: Colin Tyson

Albert Fensom was the second son of Jack and Winfred Fensom and was born at Six Lanes End, Draycott in the Clay, Staffordshire.

Albert John Fensom: September 9, 1928-January 26, 2012

Albert Fensom stands next to his meticulously maintained Foden D Type timber tractor No 13266 of 1928 Rosie. CLIVE R FLACK

One of Albert’s boasts was that he had attended Eton (albeit a primary!) school.

Jack Fensom was a timber haulier, using steam power, and Albert found himself involved from an early age. In 1938 the family moved to Barrow Field, Beechwood Park, Markyate, removing timber for death duties.

Due to shortages of manpower during the Second World War, Albert’s father removed him from school at the age of 13 to ‘mate’ on the Foden Matilda alongside him.

In 1941, the family moved to Friars Wash, where Albert progressed to ‘mate’ with his late brother George and then drive the firm’s Latil timber tractor (T C Fensom & Son).
Then in 1952, his first Matador appeared and also his marriage to Eileen. After the arrival of two daughters, a move to Markyate followed in 1954, then Albert and Eileen returned to Friars Wash in 1978.

Eileen sadly passed away in 2007. Albert continued to live at Friars Wash alone, with family support, until 2010, when an old flame, Linda, moved in with him.

With regret, on January 26, 2012, Albert lost his short battle against cancer at home while being cared for by Linda and his youngest daughter, Pat.

Albert played a key role in the formation of the Hertfordshire Steam Preservation Society and served for many years as committee member, chairman and president, retiring as president at the AGM in November 2011. Albert, along with father Jack and brother, George, were founder members of the Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society and Albert was also a very early member of the National Traction Engine Club. This was recognised at the NTET AGM in November 2011 where he received honorary membership.

Albert and Jack worked alongside the late John Crawley in looking after the engines during the making of The Iron Maiden.

Albert led a very full life and was a wonderful observer of what was going on around him. He had a huge range of friends from the world of steam and haulage. Never a show off, always quietly dignified, he was a mentor to all if they had time to listen.
He was born, and died, within yards of the steam engines that he so loved, and is now lying next to his late wife Eileen at Flamstead.

Albert Fensom – father, grandfather, great grandfather, gentle gentleman and friend. Not only a man of steam lost, but also a wealth of steam knowledge and experience never to be replaced.

You will be missed by all! Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the Burbury, Rogan and Fensom families.