Victor Peter Robin Fitzsimmons was born on the 4th April 1941 in Rugby Warwickshire and grew up with Louise Young and her family in Bognor Regis.


Vic joined the army at 18 years old and spent 6 years serving his country in the 10th Hussars regiment. He served in England, Germany and Aiden and it was whilst in Germany that he met his wife Margaret who was serving in the WRAF.


Upon leaving the army, 2 weeks later Vic joined the Merseyside Fire Brigade where he served for 10 years making lifelong friends. 


In 1975 Vic, Margaret and their 3 daughters, Debbie, Lisa and Sarah moved to Horsham, West Sussex where Vic transferred to the West Sussex Fire Brigade in Horsham and he served the next 20 years as a Fire Officer, a position he loved.


Whilst working in the Fire Brigade, Vic was also a driving instructor teaching his 3 girls and many people in Horsham to drive.  In later years, he would often say hello and ask his ex-pupils if they were still checking their blind spot!!!


When Vic retired from the Fire Brigade in 1995, he joined Heaths Insurance as a Maintenance Manager and he made many friends over his 15 years’ service with them.


As many of you will know, Vic had a love of ballroom dancing and was always the first up on the dance floor.  He enjoyed dancing for many years and acquired various medals.


Vic loved archery but his main hobby in later years was shooting and he spent many hours at Horsham Gun Club where he made good friends.  He always relayed to his family how much he laughed with those he met on a regular basis at the club.


Vic had 5 grandchildren who he loved dearly and he would like nothing more than to spend time listening to their news and making sure they knew about Brexit and todays politics.


He would always tell the grandchildren to ask their parents for advice on life, but to make sure they came to him for advice on who to vote for.


At the age of 79 after a short illness, Vic sadly passed away at home with his family around him and in the last few days of his life he was reminded that he was truly loved by so many.