It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Corfield (PLCD), LR author (as Walthamstow Writer) and invaluable member of our Editorial Team.
Paul will have been known to many of you as ‘plcd’. In both his articles and his comments, he was a vital part of our community.
Few people could parse TfL reports and spreadsheets as well as Paul. Fewer still had both the background knowledge – Paul had a long career at TfL – and analytical (and suitably suspicious!) mind to spot the hidden nuggets within.
For every public contribution Paul made to this site, he made at least ten behind the scenes. There is not a member of the LR team who has not, at some point, found themselves asking Paul for his help. Not once did he ever refuse.
We will all miss him greatly and our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones at this time.
Sad
I never met him, but corresponded here.
A very insightful person, with a wide range of knowledge
Always a gentleman, measured in his responses but not glossing over the truth. A truly fine human being. I and the LR Towers team will sorely miss him. Mike
A very great loss – always expanding our understanding of the issues in a helpful and friendly way. I had noticed the absence of comments from him for some time now and wondered if all was well. Now we know.
Very sad news – I had been a big fan of his postings on uk.transport.london for the last 10 years or so, and more recently a follower of his on Twitter. (I actually had no idea he was WalthamstowWriter, but that does explain a lot) RIP, Paul.
Sorry to hear of his passing – condolences to friends and family. As others have said he had a wide range of knowledge and very useful insights into the kremlinology of TfL
Sorry to hear about this news.
Condolences to his family, from another Paul.
I only knew him through his contributions to London Reconnections. They were always worth reading and his insights were fascinating. I had noticed his absence from the forum and had wondered if something had occurred. Very sad.
A sad day. Again I only knew him through his posts on LR, but his insights were always informative and interesting. Condolences to his friends and family.
A sad loss. As a longtime lurker on uk.t.l and reader of LR I always found his writing interesting and informative. Condolences to everyone who knew him.
May he rest in peace. I too only knew him as Walthamstow writer and echo the sentiments ante. I will just say that his reasoned writings were the only ones on the net with which I never had anything but complete agreement. What a nice guy he sounded. RIP WW
RIP WW, his wise words will be missed…. I have nothing but respect for Paul, he must have had the patience of a saint to deal with all our uninformed comments!
RIP.
One of the few sad occasions where a wealth of knowledge has disappeared along with the person holding it.
A sad loss of a wise man.
I am very sad to hear of this, especially as he was kind enough to contact me when he deleted a comment of mine (probably deservedly) to explain why. A most capable commentator he will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family and friends and all at LR towers.
I had the privilege of working with Paul in TfL but only suspected he was Walthamstow Writer although I had worked out that WW and snoggle on District Dave were one and the same. As others have said, his wise and insightful writing will be much missed, and condolences to his family and friends.
WW was one of my favourite commenters. Always something new to learn. Thank you, Mr Corfield.
It is with great sorrow to hear of Walthamstow Writers passing. I too only knew him through his postings on London Reconnections, his postings were well thought out and showed insight. When I travelled to England just over two years ago I ensured I could get to a monthly meet up on a Thursday in the hope I may have met him in person but not to be. My condolences to his family, his associates and friends. He will be sadly missed.
I worked with Paul at TfL. A Good Guy and a sad loss.
He will indeed be missed. Any news re funeral arrangements?
Although I only knew him through this site, I was sorry to read this.
Requiescat in Pace.
Very sorry to read of Paul’s passing. His contributions always added something to posts here and elsewhere, usually knowledge and/or perspective. This place and many others like it will be poorer for his absence.
Hi John,
I’m a friend of Paul’s from his music interests and we’ve been contacted regarding his funeral arrangements. Would it be possible for you to email me please so I can pass on the details.
Best regards
Terri
From District Dave:
“I’ve been told that funeral arrangements have now been confirmed for 28/01/2020, with a Chapel service at St James Chapel, 70-72 St James’ Street Walthamstow E17 7PE at 10.30am with further committal at Manor Park Crematorium, Sebert Road, Forest Gate E7 0NP at 12noon. I’m planning to go, and it would be good if others who appreciated his contributions to District Dave and elsewhere were also able to come even if they had never met Paul physically.
“Paul’s cremated remains will be transported to West Road cemetery, Newcastle Upon Tyne and interned in a family plot.
“If you would like to send a floral tribute etc please contact Alfred English Funeral Directors on 020 8520 6100.”