Christopher Thomas Spring was born 18th September 1943 in Hitchin, Hertfordshire to Thomas and Elsie Spring, the youngest of 4 children.

Chris went along to the recruitment office for moral support to a friend. Chris had no intention of joining up but the recruitment Sgt suggested that he did the tests for something to do. He did and after passing he started his basic training in November 1962. His friend never did join up!

Whilst home on leave from Cyprus Chris met Valerie and after a whirlwind romance, they were married on 2nd October 1965 just weeks after meeting. They had three children, Jez, Heather and Penny.

Chris joined 2RANGLIAN and was with them from 1962 until 1967 when he transferred to the Royal Army Pay Corp (RAPC). However, during his first three years with the RAPC he was posted back to 2RANGLIAN. He served in Germany, Belgium, Northern Ireland ending his military career at NATO, Mons, Belgium.

Chris served 23 years in the Army working his way through the ranks and retiring as a WO1. Upon retirement the family moved to Rainham in Kent where Chris worked for the local council.

However, Chris struggled to adjust to civilian work ethics and was offered the position of NATO assistant budget officer at Northwood. Whilst at Northwood he helped to set up the new NATO Headquarters in High Wycombe. Computers were just being introduced to NATO and he adapted to the new way of working. The budget book he developed on a spreadsheet was eventually imposed on all NATO finance offices across Europe and the USA.

He applied for and subsequently then took on the position of Budget Officer SHAPE. He and Val moved back to Belgium where they spent 9 years with Chris receiving three promotions and finally retiring at the age of 60 with the equivalent rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Chris received many commendations for his work but his proudest one came from The Supreme Allied Commander for Europe.

After retiring, Chris and Val set up home in Lincoln. Not one to relax Chris threw himself into volunteer charity work, starting as a SSAFA case worker although it didn’t take long for his finance background to surface and he became treasurer. The role of RBL Poppy Appeal Administrator followed in addition to sitting on the committee for the Army Benevolent Fund.

After 10 years he eased back on his charity work due to his health but continued to audit the finance books for the Royal Anglian Association and several charities when requested. Chris enjoyed volunteering and helping those in need and everyone was treated with compassion and respect. Chris was a staunch supporter of both the Lincoln and Grimsby branches ably supported by Val.

Chris died on 25th April 2023, following a short stay in Lincoln County Hospital having suffered from Pulmonary Fibrosis.

A tribute page has been set up in his memory helping to raise vital funds for Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research as there is no cure.

chrisspring@muchloved.com