Grim Window Cleaning News

Farewell to a dad of fun, UK: A FUN-LOVING father, who was the life and soul of every party, has died. Nicky Kulinich, from South Shields, was a familiar face around the Whiteleas estate. He only had to walk a few yards before he would greeted by one of his many friends. The former window cleaner lost his battle with a drink problem after he suffered a stroke on July 9. His wife, Susan, of Raeburn Road, said: "He was so well known around here. He loved to be outside, chatting to people. "One of his favourite spots was outside the Whiteleas shops. He'd spend ages chatting to everyone."At one point he was cleaning the windows of many of the houses on the estate, so everyone knew who he was. "Mr Kulinich was a 'Jack of all trades' before he set up his window cleaning business and had worked in the shipyards and as a silver-service waiter. She said: "If there were kids in the house, within minutes they'd be following him about and hanging off him. He was amazing at making up crazy games, and always full of fun. "The grandfather-of-three's sense of fun and mischief was echoed throughout his funeral, which was held at All Saint's Church, in Boldon Lane. A smiling Mrs Kulinich said: "It was such a happy gathering. "Everyone was in stitches with laughter, despite it being a very sad day. "We'd put a picture of Nicky at the front of the stage and a pint in front of it for him. "It did seem strange at first to have a comedian at a funeral, but he would have loved it if he was there. "When the club closed, friends and family moved on to the Red Duster pub, in Whiteleas Way, to carry on paying their respects. "I don't think the pub could believe it," said Miss Kulinich. "There's never been that many people in it for such a long time – they even managed to run out of beer. "Mr Kulinich was also very close to his nephew, Kevin, 29. The pair visited each other daily and were always seen out together. His wacky dress sense made him infamous among residents, and he would often entertain them by falling off his bike or dancing and singing. Mr Kulinich also leaves behind children Nicholas, 31, Sara, 27, Dean, 18 and Mandy, 16.Mrs Kulinich, said: "He was so well loved a collection was started in the shops and they used the money to buy flower wreaths shaped as a bucket, ladders and a sponge to put on his coffin. "She added: "He was my soul mate and my best friend. The estate isn't going to be the same without him."
Doctor was warned about risks of releasing patient who set himself on fire, UK: A TRANSCRIPT reveals how a doctor was warned by a police inspector about the risk of releasing a patient who threatened to torch his house – 24 hours before he set himself on fire and died. It shows Inspector Alison Dando telling Dr Raj Sinha (pictured) that, if anything happened to Andrew Whetton, “it would look bad on the health authority”. The 48-year-old begged to be kept in hospital and threatened to set fire to his house, but was released from the mental health unit.
The next day, he covered his clothes in petrol and set them alight while in a car with his partner of 25 years, Julie Croft, in Marston Lane, Hatton. Coroner Robert Hunter recorded a verdict of suicide at the end of a two-day inquest yesterday. However, he said the fact Mr Whetton was not given a mental health examination by a senior psychiatrist after the suicide threat was a “contributing factor in his death”. Dr Sinha rang police to let them know Mr Whetton was being released. “He had depression but we treated him and his symptoms were improving,” said Dr Sinha. But he said the self-employed window cleaner became agitated during periods of home leave. He was on home leave at the time of his final review meeting on April 2, the day he was due to be discharged, but asked to stay in hospital. “He said 'do not send me on leave, I do not feel safe',” said Dr Sinha. “He was more anxious – he had never been like that before.”
Dad who killed baby has appeal rejected, UK: A Tavistock father jailed for killing his eight-week-old son has had his first attempt of appealing against his conviction turned down. In March, window cleaner Michael Burridge, 28, was found guilty at Plymouth Crown Court by a jury of five women and seven men, who unanimously agreed he had murdered his son Rees by crushing his ribs and shaking him violently back and forth. Sentencing him to a minimum jail tariff of 13 years, Mr Justice Royce recognised Burridge had no previous convictions, no cautions, was of good character and had an “exemplary” record in the Army.


Barton victim blasts Keegan, UK: A former youth footballer and a victim of Joey Barton (pictured) believes Kevin Keegan should not be giving the troubled midfielder another chance. Keegan has publicly stated that he was prepared to give a lifeline to the disgraced Barton, who has been released from prison. Ex-Manchester City youngster Tandy, who had a cigar pushed in his eye by Barton at a party four years ago, was outraged by Keegan's decision. Tandy was released from the Premier League club soon after the incident by the then-boss Keegan and now plays non-league football and works as an industrial window cleaner.
WESTVILLE, Fla. USA: Terence (Terry) McDonald, 47, of Westville, Fl and formerly of Fort Dodge, died July 25, 2008 at his residence. Terence Lee McDonald was born March 1, 1961 in Fort Dodge, Iowa where he attended school. Terry lived around Bonita Springs for 20 years before moving to Westville. He had his own window washing business in Bonita Springs and had worked for Direct TV since moving to Westville. He so loved his nieces and nephews and will be sadly missed by his family and friends who loved him very much.




The only good news: It was third time lucky for husband-and-wife team Keith and Sylvia Kirkland after they scooped the top prize in a gardening competition. The couple have been entering Derby In Bloom for the past three years and, after failing to pick up a prize in their first two attempts, have this year been awarded first place in the Best Floral Feature category. Their success come after dramatically altering their garden to try to grab the judge's attention. Mr Kirkland, 72, said: “We decided to use our initiative and replaced some of the grass with pebbles and gravel. “Then we used a lot of different pots to plant the flowers in. “My wife does the pruning and dead-heading and I do the watering – a real team effort.” Former window cleaner Mr Kirkland has been a keen gardener for more than 20 years.