George’s daughter let us know that George passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning in his care home.
He hadn’t bowled since he came to watch Finals Day in 2024, went home poorly and spent weeks in West Middlesex Hospital before moving to a lovely room in a Care Home in Chobham where he was comfortable, although bedridden. Amanda, his daughter in the UK, visited him very regularly, often accompanied by her dog and Ali, who lives in the US, made several trips over.
Besides bowls, which I think he took up about 30 years ago, he had a love of horse riding which he passed on to his daughters. He loved cricket, football and watching all sport on television. A favourite was Ronnie O’Sullivan. He loved wild life programmes, was extremely well read and could hold a conversation on almost any topic. He had a remarkable knowledge.
George was kind and encouraging to all of us new members as we joined Cambridge Park. He played in nearly every league every night and then again in the afternoons indoors and Friday Night league outdoors. He was very fond of short jacks early in the game when he was skipping, even if the rest of his team weren’t so keen! He was a jolly good bowler playing for the club and county and going on Middlesex and Club bowling tours to assorted areas of the UK. He loved the after-match meals (it meant he didn’t have to cook!) and as Ann D reminded me, second helpings of rice pudding were a favourite! He was a true gentleman off the green and supported all the extra club activities from skittles to bingo to quizzes.
His bowls came back to the club earlier this year, when it was known he wouldn’t be able to bowl again. George was always well turned out but he said he’d never ever polished his bowls! Despite their appearance, he still played really well with them!
George celebrated his 90th birthday in July 2021 and was two months of his 95th birthday, when he departed his earthly life but left lots of fond and happy memories. RIP, George.
We’ll pass on funeral details when known. If you have any memories or anecdotes to relate, please put a reply to this post as Amanda and Ali will be able to see them and share with other members of his family and friends.
