Buddy was a long time resident of Pattaya and passed peacefully in his sleep, at the age of 70 years old, from a stroke on or about the 16th of November. Buddy was born on 2nd June 1941 and raised in Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, and was very proud of being a ‘Yorkshireman’.
He served in the Royal Artillery from 1962-1966 and during this time was posted to Hong Kong, Borneo and Malaysia. On completion he spent many years working around the world in construction, before finally retiring to Pattaya. His favourite hobby was bird watching, or ornithology. He loved to go out with friends and try to find new species he had not seen before.
Robert ‘Buddy’ Ditchburn 1941-2011
In Pattaya he was a Founder Member of the Royal British Legion Thailand and was a most committed member. In the early days he could be seen taking the Poppy Boxes out and collecting them and Buddy could always be found at all Legion functions. He enjoyed Anzac Day and particularly enjoyed his annual trip to the Malaysia Remembrance Services as he knew the country from his service.
He will forever be remembered by his loving daughter Kellie and grandchildren and devoted brothers Dave and John in U.K., and his beloved sister Margaret in Australia and nephews and nieces. He will also be remembered by countless other friends who were blessed to know him.
Buddy touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity and maintained his trademark sense of humour to the very end.
Buddy was cremated on Wednesday the 30th of November but he will always be in our memory.
As Buddy would say, “Don’t forget, if we don’t see you again Buddy, Tara.”
