I’m afraid it can be like buses! In just under a month we have now lost two absolute giants from the ranks of the Legends. Within 24 hours of Pete Marsden’s funeral, the sad but inevitable news came of Graham’s passing at Addenbrookes, in the arms of his beloved wife Jo after such a long and brave fight.
Graham was such an immense character that today I do not propose to write a full obituary for him ... there are too many facets to think about ... that will follow ...
Early days at Shelford and then playing at Letchworth but being told he would never play again in the mid 70s after he broke his neck ... and not for the last time defying the odds to play for another twenty years, captain of 2nd XV and 1st XV at the club. Seasons with the Herts Police and then taking over coaching at the County in one of their most successful periods. Revitalising the club fortunes as Chairman for seven years then county President and all round ambassador for club and county rugby ... brilliant after dinner speaker and source of inspiration for thousands ...
Stellar career in the police force and master of disaster in taking charge of the Tsunami in the far east and rail crashes closer to home ...
Proving you can fight the dreaded illness he was struck down with over seven years ago and lead not just a normal but a super normal life ... a truly social animal!
Plus add in a full and loving family life with beloved wife Jo and Michael and son Paul with wife Louise such a comfort to Jo, and Stanley and Arthur grandchildren of whom he was so proud and loved so much as they did in return, as well as all his other close relations ...
Even more recently getting the 25 club off the ground and helping to institute a brilliant coaching team at legends Lane and attending the first functions during the lockdown breaks ...
Phew! ... I can tell you The Telegraph would need a pull out not just a one page obit!!
I promise all that will follow once I can compose myself but like yourselves I am emotionally very fragile today ...
We wish Jo and Michael, Paul, Louise, Stanley and Arthur and all his nearest and dearest our love thoughts and condolences.
Rick will put up his address for cards* and we shall keep you all informed of developments but of course in these Covid times the funeral will be very small ... but wait for our release and we will have a mighty celebration of his life ...
In the meantime treasure the memories and the fact that you knew an absolute legend who probably more than anyone else influenced the fate of our club over the past twenty five years and while you will grieve give yourself a cheeky smile at all the good times and fun you had with him down the days ...
It will all pan out !
With best wishes
El prez
*Cards can be sent to:
46 Church Street,
Guilden Morden,
Royston
SG8 0JD
