Graham was a lifelong friend to myself and many others until his sudden death of a stroke on 30th November 2020. He leaves behind wife Pam and daughters Ella, Laura and Nikki. But most of all he leaves us all with a host of glowing memories.
I first encountered Graham when we were in different classes at Dulwich Hamlet and different sixes at cubs but our friendship really started when we were thrust along with eighteen other unsuspecting individuals into the accelerated 2E class on arrival at Alleyn's in September 1968. We remained in that E stream until going on our separate paths in Sixth Form. While I went for straight Classics, Graham kept a foot in two camps by doing double Maths and English at A level. He then went on to study English at Exeter University.
Following a period travelling in the USA with his good friend Paul and a few stints of bar work, Graham spent some time working as an estate officer for Southwark Council. In the early 1980s he met Pam and also set upon a career path in the burgeoning world of IT, having done a TOPS course. His mathematical ability came to the fore and he occupied several posts in the City, the longest job being with City Max Finance, where he progressed into management positions in IT strategy and business analysis. His affable personality and fondness for socialising ensured that he conducted many successful deals over long lunches in the hostelries of EC1.
He devoted most of his last twenty years spending time with family and friends. Anybody who knew Graham will agree that his greatest gift was making other people feel at ease. He could walk into any situation and initiate conversation with strangers just as easily as with old friends. He was also fond of engaging in deeper discussions on a wide range of topics and his natural intelligence meant he always had something worthwhile to say, especially when expressing his strong socialist principles. He himself, however, might have argued that his greatest talent was with a pool cue! He wasn't bad at football either.
My own fond memories of Graham range from our first pints at the Dog and combing Dulwich for parties afterwards, through decades of memorable gigs (The Who at Charlton in 1974 was one classic) and pilgrimages to White Hart Lane to watch our beloved Spurs (such as the unforgettable 1972 UEFA Cup Final victory), to his three visits to India while I was researching the Rough Guide and the last time we travelled together in Corfu in 2017. It has also always been a joy to spend time with his wonderful family.
Thanks to the 2014 school reunion, ten of that class of twenty boys who first met in 1968 rekindled our friendship and have met up on a number of occasions. This brief memorial to Graham is also on behalf of the other eight. He may no longer be with us in person but his warm smile always will be.
Nick Edwards (Tyson's 1974)
Junior School Open Day
The next Alleyn's Junior School Open Event is from 1.30pm to 3pm on Wednesday 22 May 2024. There will be a Head's Talk at 1.40pm after which you will be offered a tour of the school with a pupil. There is no need to book a place at this Open Event - everyone is welcome.
Last updated on 20 05 24 at 09:12
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