Wednesday, 19 October 2011

IN MEMORIAM




In honour of our dear friends who've now passed on, too young, too soon, but who left us with lasting, cherished memories of the good times we enjoyed together.

94 comments:

  1. georgeh1 wrote on Jul 9


    Alex passed on at 5am this morning, Sat 9th July 2011

    Pat had been expecting this a long time.
    What a character he was....funny, tough, genuine...an all round good bloke.

    The human spirit is amazing. On my birthday in March I received a call to say that Alex wasn't expected to see the day out.
    He pulled himself through all that and told Pat - and his friends - that he was absolutely determined to join us all at Leicester again.
    Three months later he was there with us, as large as life, still joking, and thoroughly enjoying a long weekend at The Mill.

    He suffered a lot - and his treatment at the hands of Lincoln Hospital was nothing short of criminal.
    Thank God he had St Barnabas hospice to help him when he needed it these past 6 months.

    For the sake of everone who suffers PCa, we must never let hospitals, urologists, oncologists and GPs treat us with anything less than 100% effort and care.
    Time and again we see these horror stories, and it has GOT TO STOP. I am soooo damn angry.

    We have got to make a stand whenever we receive bad service. Shout it from the rooftops.

    Well Alex, you're resting with the angels now, no more pain, and I bet you still have a terrible joke to tell.


    Rest well dear friend.


    George

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  2. In this album of remembrance you'll see pictures of our sadly departed Bollockeers.

    They're not left us...they've simply gone ahead to open the 'Pearly Gates Chapter' of B2PCa in readiness for us joining them.




    Please bear with us, this is a 'Work In Progress', a labour of love, which will take time to complete.
    We have lost so many of our dear friends over the years, and want to make sure that each and every one of them will have their place in the album.

    As you'll see, we're working back overs and it's important we get it right.

    I'd like to thank Elise for offering her help in assisting me with the task. Very much appreciated. Thank you Lil' Duck.

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  3. PAUL STREET, known as Spottydogster on the PCC, lost a long and brave battle, tragically young, on 7th January 2011

    Paul was one of the funniest, most loveable guys around.
    His quick witted verbal duels with Mark were legendary.

    A lot of us had the great pleasure of meeting him at Leicester in September of 2010.
    We never realised it was the last time we'd enjoy his company.

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  4. Andy was always a winner, a Rugby Union legend, but he lost is own, fierce, personal battle with PCa on June 17th 2010.

    A million words have been written about him, but all of us who ever met him will just remember him as a kind, genuine nice guy...a unique human being.

    He attended the first B2PCa function at Leicester in 2007 and also joined the gang in London for one of the Christmas get-togethers.

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  5. Our Phil Has Left Us

    Sep 19, '11 12:04 PM
    by George Hardy for group bollockstopca


    Dear Friends,

    Phil passed away at 5.15 this morning.

    Hilary has asked that I pass on her immense gratitude for all the support she and Phil have received from the Bollockeers.

    This is the saddest day on this site since we started in 2006. Phil was a friend to us all, and to me he was the best friend I ever had.


    I'll post more soon.


    George



    georgeh1 wrote on Sep 19



    At the age of 22 Phil invented the Alcopop




    Phil posing on the bridge of his ship approaching Golden Gate bridge.




    Always the party animal.




    Laurel and Hardy - Chesterfield 2008 - that was another fine mess he got me into




    Always the poser - Cyprus 2009



    On top form with Keith, Mill On The Soar, 2010


    These last three are the most recent ones I have of us having a 'summit' at Hartlepool



    WOW! He's smiling!!!




    I don't know where his left hand went, but I was worried!




    Phil andHilary....a perfect couple


    Geeezus Phil, you'll kick my arse if the show doesn't go on, this will be tough..BUT...we'll ALL do it for you mate!

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  6. dansencier wrote on Sep 19

    So, so sad George, it's hard to know what to say my friend. I feel for Hilary and all of Phil's family. It was an honour to have met him; what a fantastic human being, the world will be a worse place without him.

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  7. janetinoz wrote on Sep 19


    So sorry to hear this sad sad news my condolences to Hilary and his family,and if there is a here after I'm sure he will be sat having a beer with Bernie, God bless them xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. macrob wrote on Sep 19


    Oh George, I have been dreading this sad news. It will affect so many people.
    Phil fought so well .
    My condolences to Hilary & family. Thinking of you at this very sad time.

    And I'm so sorry you have lost your best mate. Laurel and Hardy indeed.
    It hurts us all when we loose such a great character.

    Rest in Peace Phil.

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  9. terryherbert wrote on Sep 19


    So sorry to hear that George. I thought I would just check before I went to be. It has been a bad couple of weeks. I lost a pal in South Africa yesterday. He was diagnosed the same year as me.

    What a sugar of a disease

    ReplyDelete

  10. scotrasp wrote on Sep 19


    So sorry to hear this very sad news George. Phil will be sorely missed by everyone . He will always be in our thoughts. Please send our condolences to Hilary and the girls.
    George I cannot imagine how you are feeling……… please take care.
    Graeme and Sheena xx

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  11. cooky1 wrote on Sep 19


    Such sad news. Please pass on our condolences to Hilary and the girls xxx

    ReplyDelete

  12. rogcal wrote on Sep 19


    Rest easy Phil.

    My condolences to Hilary and the girls.

    ReplyDelete

  13. willie33 wrote on Sep 19


    So sorry to read this sad news. My condolences ot his wife Hilary and the family. Stick with it George it is the final end for us all

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  14. tandempair wrote on Sep 19


    We are sitting here in tears at the news. Such a great bloke.
    Condolences to Hilary and all the family and also to all the very sad people on here who knew and loved Phil so much

    ReplyDelete
  15. brooksint wrote on Sep 19


    So sad to hear today's news.

    Phil, it was my pleasure to have known you for these last 5~years or so and to call you my friend.
    Thanks for the help and advise over the years.

    I loved your daily postings, your 'talented'(!) poetry, your (risque) sense of humour.
    I will miss you.

    Phil, 'Rest in Peace' mate, free at last from this bast--d disease.



    God Bless,

    Love to Hilary, Sherri and Gemma.



    Love always from Mike & Kath xx

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  16. shergold wrote on Sep 19


    Sincere heartfelt condolences go out to Hilary,Sherri & Gemma......Its my regret we never met,but Phil was always quick to give his support to me,when i needed it.....Going to miss his humour & his blogs to.....Its not going to be the same on here for sure,as he contributed so much.......Thanks George for confirming the show goes on,& it will be a fitting tribute to a great guy to do so...
    R.I.P. my friend..

    John & Val..xx

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  17. duck42 wrote on Sep 19


    I just cannot get my head into gear after this terrible news. So very upset that we have lost such a wonderful man, and a special friend. My heart is breaking for Hilary, Sherri and Gemma xx We all loved Phil so very much, it really won't be the same here without him. I just cannot believe he has gone. Can't type anymore, as I cannot see the screen for tears. God bless Big Guy xx I will miss you xx Keep them smiling in heaven, and maybe look down on us every once in a while, just to make certain that we are up to no good ! Lots of love as always, you will never be forgotten xxxx

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  18. hodge1 wrote on Sep 19


    Phil, my darlin, we will miss you so much. You were such a special guy who lead me astray on many a Thursday morning! I am so sad we never got to meet you, Hilary and your beautiful girls.
    God bless you my lovely.
    I can't write anymore for the tears.

    We will miss you

    xx

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  19. brimab wrote on Sep 19


    George,,,We are both so saddened at the great loss of your close friend Not many get a chance of such a wonderful friendship What a pair you made too !!! like kids in a playground,,,up to no good.Please take care of yourself. Of course our thoughts also go to Hilary and her family they must be devastated Just such an unfair world
    Love
    Margaret and Brian xx

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  20. exbus wrote on Sep 19


    WELL, WHAT A WELCOME HOME, SWITCHED ON TO SEE THE PASSING OF OUR DEAR PHIL ON THE TITLE PAGE, RIP PHIL.

    OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO HILARY, SHERI and GEMMA, AND ALSO TO YOU GEORGE ON THE LOSS OF YOUR CELL MATE.

    GOD BLESS, Chris and Shirley

    ReplyDelete

  21. pauline157 wrote on Sep 20


    Oh Phil we will all miss you so much,loved playing the word games with you.I never had the pleasure of meeting you bit will never forget you ,god bless you and our love to your very precious family xx

    ReplyDelete

  22. colleen53 wrote on Sep 20


    Dearest George...so sad. What a great friend Phil was to so many. You two have gotten me through the worse days of my life. Sure will miss the Captain. I think of him now as sailing on beautiful blue smooth seas and perhaps Bernie, Peter and Bob join him occasionally for a laugh over a cold one. I sure miss those guys. Love, hugs and prayers to you, Hilary, Gemma, Sherri, Steven and all the hearts Phil has touched over the years.
    LOVE,
    Colleen xxxxx

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  23. georgeh1 wrote on Sep 21


    Dear Colleen and Pauline xxx

    Yes, we go back an awful long way don't we? Phil was our rock throughout all those years - you could always depend on Phil to lift you, even at the very worst of times. And yes, I can just imagine those great Bollockeers in the sky sharing a pint and a joke right now. We miss them badly, but I'm positive they'll be having fun and mischief - as they always did.

    George

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  24. sarahecoxy wrote on Sep 21


    Just seen the blog. I have not been at the computer for a few days. My thoughts are with Hilary and
    The family. My love goes out to
    You all

    Sarah xx

    ReplyDelete
  25. dansencier wrote on Jul 9

    Alex & Pat, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the days to come.

    ReplyDelete
  26. janetinoz wrote on Jul 9

    so very sad my thoughts and prayers are with Pat and her family
    Janet xx

    ReplyDelete
  27. philscorp wrote on Jul 9

    Rest easy Alex,



    Deepest condolences to Pat and the family,

    Lots of love

    Phil and Hilary xxx

    ReplyDelete
  28. shergold wrote on Jul 9

    So sorry to hear this......My & Vals heart go out to Pat & family at this difficult & very sad time ................................. I I gelled with Alex very soon after joining b2pca last November,& our love of non league football gave us a common interest & we exchanged e.mails regularly.......It was like i had known him for a long time,& he remarked that also... When we met Alex & the wonderful Pat on the Friday at MOS we hit it off instantly.... His humor,kindness,& friendship to us all(& singing voice) shone thru & made our 'get together' that more special ........So as the tears roll down my cheeks today,i now realize i've lost a much valued friend..R.I.P. Alex

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  29. scotrasp wrote on Jul 9

    I didn't know Alex but can tell from all your stories that he was a lovely man. Would just like to pass on my sincere sympathy to his wife and family and to all his friends on this site.

    ReplyDelete
  30. philscorp wrote on Jul 9

    Thanks Sheena xxx

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  31. duck42 wrote on Jul 9





    Terrible news - Rest easy Alex xx

    ReplyDelete
  32. al1234567 wrote on Jul 10

    So sorry i was never able to meet you,
    Old Al

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  33. exbus wrote on Jul 10

    Pat,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

    Keep positive.
    Chris & Shirley.

    ReplyDelete
  34. duck42 wrote on Jul 10

    Mom put this tribute for Alex on the ladies site, I thought it would be nice to share it with all of you xx

    An honest man here lies at first. As e'er gud with his image blest.
    The friend of man, the friend of truth.
    The friend of age and guide of youth.
    Few hearts like his with virtue warm'd, Few heads with knowledge formed.
    If there is another world his answer is bliss. If there is none . He made the Best of this. (Robbie Burns)

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  35. philscorp wrote on Jul 10

    Thanks Elsie and Elise for sharing xxx

    ReplyDelete
  36. brooksint wrote on Jul 11

    Rest easy Alex.




    God Bless mate, free at last from this b**tard disease



    Take care of yourself Pat.

    God Bless.
    Love Mike & Kath xx

    ReplyDelete
  37. shergold wrote on Jul 11

    ALEX

    GOD SAW YOU GETTING TIRED,& A CURE WAS NOT TO BE.
    SO HE WRAPPED HIS ARMS AROUND YOU,& WHISPERED"COME TO ME".
    WITH TEARFUL EYES WE HEARD THAT YOU HAD PASSED AWAY,
    ALTHOUGH OUR LOVE & WISHES,COULD NOT MAKE YOU STAY.
    A GOLDEN HEART STOPPED BEATING,HARD WORKING HANDS AT REST,
    GOD BROKE OUR ACHING HEARTS TO PROVE,HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST.

    R.I.P

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  38. duck42 wrote on Jul 13


    It is with a heavy heart that i have to inform you all that Alex passed away on the 9th July after a long and angry fight against cancer.

    The funeral will be a fairly small affair on Monday the 25th at 1:50pm

    Pat knows the details and can be contacted at home, i will be deleting this email account to give Pat less to think about but i can be contacted on acowling@hotmail.com if you want to know more.

    Thankyou and sorry for breaking the news this way.

    Andy Cowling (Pat's Son)

    ReplyDelete
  39. philscorp wrote on Jul 13

    Thank you Andy and
    thanks for passing on Elise xx

    ReplyDelete
  40. Thanks George, I can think of no greater honor, nor tribute, in assisting you here.

    I just wanted to add, that if any of you decide that you want to add any additional comments to any of the Memorial Wall photos, then please feel free to do so.


    Lil' Duck
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  41. Dear Friends,

    On Friday morning we lost one of our own.

    Paul Street (SpottyDogster) passed away, peacefully, at home with his wife Lesley. Such a young man, gone far too soon...Words just aren't enough to express the sorrow we all feel.

    Below are photos taken at Leicester. Little did we know how little time was left.



    SLEEP WELL NOW PAUL






    Paul with his sparring partner Mark [spurspark]









    Paul and Lesley




    Au revoir from us all

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  42. philscorp wrote on Jan 8


    Goodnight Paul,,












    So sorry Lesley,,

    Condolences to you and your family,

    Our love and thoughts are with you,

    Phil and Hilary xxx

    ReplyDelete
  43. shergold wrote on Jan 8

    Since i read this on PCC,i have been deeply upset...I did not know Paul,but had read his posts & knew he was a compassionate person..
    Lesley,be strong ,we all share your grief.....

    John (hugs)

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  44. duck42 wrote on Jan 8

    I am so gutted. This is terrible news and I cannot express enough sympathy for Lesley, and all of Pauls family. Sleep well Paul, we will miss you xx

    ReplyDelete
  45. janetinoz wrote on Jan 8

    I always feel such sadness when I read that someone else has passed away with this awful cancer, my thoughts are with you leslie and your family
    Janet x

    ReplyDelete
  46. georgeh1 wrote on Jan 8

    It never gets any easier - in fact each loss seems to hit home harder that the last.

    What can we guys do but FIGHT ON?..... and BOLLOCKS TO THIS DAMN PCa.

    ReplyDelete
  47. brooksint wrote on Jan 8

    Rest in Peace Paul,



    Free at last from this b**tard disease.

    Love to Leslie,

    Mike & Kath xx

    ReplyDelete
  48. munsie36 wrote on Jan 8

    Pat and I were so sorry to hear the sad news about Paul. Please accept our sincere condolences Leslie .
    God Bless!

    Alex & Pat xx

    ReplyDelete
  49. Chris and Anne Harber with their children.

    Chris passed away on 17th February 2007, tragically young.
    Anne used the nickname 'ChrisThe Car' for his profile on the PCC.

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  50. A WONDERFUL TRIBUTE TO ALL THOSE GONE AHEAD OF US THAT ARE LEFT.

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  51. Mike chatting with Andy Ripley at the first Mill On The Soar 'do' on 9th Sept 2007

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  52. Joanna has renovated the villa in Italy, and it bears this beautiful memory of her dad:

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  53. Only joined today, but my thoughts are with you. It is a wicked disease..... keep strong over the next few days.
    Peter

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  54. It was a privalage to be able to go to his funeral, thank you Elsie and Elise for a good day.

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  55. Farewell Captain Ian, Sleep well now.

    Nov 12, '11 5:59 PM
    by George Hardy for group bollockstopca
    Dear Friends



    ELISE has just informed me that

    her beloved dad Ian has passed away



    Another Fine Man Has Left Us





    REST IN PEACE

    IAN



    sarahecoxy wrote on Nov 12

    My thoughts are with you so sorry for your loss. Be strong for each other.
    Love Sarah xxxx




    tandempair wrote on Nov 12


    So sorry for you all Elise. Give your mum a hug from all of us.

    Nette & Keith



    scotrasp wrote on Nov 12




    Although expected, it makes it no easier to bear. You are all in our thoughts at this very sad time Elise. Sending love. xx


    Sheena and Graeme xx






    rogcal wrote on Nov 12


    Our thoughts are with you and your family Elise and may your emotional journey over the next few weeks be made that much easier by the love that flows from your family and the memories you share of Dad. Rest easy Ian.

    Roger and Brenda




    cooky1 wrote on Nov 12


    So sorry to hear such sad news
    Lynne & Colin






    brooksint wrote on Nov 12


    Elise, so sorry to hear this news.



    Ian, 'Rest in Peace', free at last from this b***tard disease.



    Love to you Elise, to Elsie and the rest of the family.



    Praying for you at this time.

    Love always from Mike & Kath xx








    terryherbert wrote on Nov 12


    Our thoughts are with you at this sad time Elise.








    exbus wrote on Nov 12


    WE BOTH SEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO ELISE, YOUR MUM,ELSIE AND ALSO TO YOUR SISTER.

    RIP IAN.

    Our thoughts and prayers go to you all.

    fondest LOVE Elise, xxx from Chris & Shirley








    shergold wrote on Nov 13, edited on Nov 13


    We are both so sad....Condolences Elise, to you & your family,& please give Mom a big hug from both of us...
    R.I.P.Ian....God bless you

    John & Val xx







    pauline157 wrote on Nov 13


    So sorry to hear such sad news,Gob Bless you .pauline




    dansencier wrote on Nov 13


    Was a great honour to meet Ian earlier this year, such an interesting man with an amazing knowledge. A life well lived I'd say, and now he's back in the air, where he was so happy. RIP x

    ReplyDelete
  56. George xx How fantastic ! Thanks so much for doing this xx That picture was taken of Dad at his beloved Raffles Bar in Singapore. Dad was enjoying a 'Singapore Gin Sling. If You get a chance, could you possibly add in the last photo on the last page of the service sheet ? Thanks so much my handsome xx Now the two Captains can enjoy their drinks together for always xx Lots of love as always xxxx

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  57. It's a pleasure, Elise.

    I thought this photo on the back of the service booklet was 100% appropriate and poignant.

    That 'wave' says it all. WTG COOPERMAN!

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  58. Well said George xx That was Dad on his beloved 'Softail harley' that he brought into the UK piece by chrome plated piece, and rebuilt in the extension ! Thanks my handsome, with so much love xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  59. Thanks for putting the "Funeral" bits on here, I wouldn't know where to start !! [thats why I sent them to you]
    It was certainly a privilege to have been there.

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to Elsie, Elise, Gail and Kirsty at what would normally be a joyful time.

    God Bless. xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  60. Sarah - Thinking of you at this sad time

    Oct 31, '11 12:04 PM
    by George Hardy for group bollockstopca

    I've just received sad news from one of our longest standing members, Sarah Cox.
    Her beloved dad lost his fight yesterday, 30th October 2011

    Till we hear more, I thought you might like to see this video, which shows photos of Sarah and her dad:

    ReplyDelete
  61. Just wanted to thank you all for all your kind wishes to us all. It is so very hard still, and I just cannot get my head around the fact that Dad is gone. Mom isn't well at the moment, and I do worry about her. Hopefully you might just extend your prayers to include her at the moment. Thanks Guys xx

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  62. We will do, Elise.
    I was worried your mom didn't look too well in London...despite her usual cheery carry-on and banter.
    Give her my love and and tell her I'm sending a big warm Geordie hug, please xxx

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  63. I will of course George xx thank you xx I phone her every day, and will pass that on xx

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  64. Rest Easy Robert xx We will look after Sue xx I promise xx

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  65. FROM ALLISTER:

    Dear friends

    It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of another loss. Colin Coote (colj_uk ) has passed away. Many of us here will have known and met him and I am deeply shocked to say the least. Colin fought PCa hard, battled for second opinions and got treatment that was initially denied him. He was a little eccentric but entertaining in his own way. He was also way too young to die .

    The funeral is at the South Essex Crematorium Chapel RM14 2UY, on Thursday 2nd Feb at 10.40

    Rest in Peace Col

    Allister

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  66. FROM POSTS:

    SHERGOLD wrote today at 9:45 AM


    Upset & shocked by the passing of Colin Coote (colj uk) on PCC.....Met Colin twice at the Andy Ripley Memorial,& our get together at The Mill....a very chatty warm guy...........R.I.P. my friend


    DUCK42 wrote today at 9:53 AM

    This is just TERRIBLE news Allister, and I am COMPLETELY shocked at hearing this.....

    I knew he wasn't good, but sounded perky in his latest posts.

    I am truly shocked here.

    Allister, please kindly pass on my deepest sympathies and condolences to Colin's family.

    Rest easy Colin and have fun catching up with Dad and Big Guy.

    Kindest regards as always dear friend
    Elise
    xx



    SPURSPARK:

    Another shock for me, col was an eccentric making him part if our gang, very sad.
    Allister, having met him several times and just going through, in my head, his visit to Ireland , unbelievable . So unexpected when things were so hopeful

    Mark

    Audere Est Facere



    EXBUS (Chris & Shirley) :

    It IS another sad day, COLIN R. I. P.

    Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.



    MARTINI:

    Really sad news, this. RIP Colin

    I'm planning to go to Colin's funeral on Thursday. Turns out the crematorium is about a mile from the end of the District Line Underground station at Upminster, so starting from Turnham Green I shall be travelling virtually its whole length west to east.


    GEORGE H1 wrote today at 3:03 PM

    Yes, it's very sad about Colin. I've been out ths morning, so thank you for texting me the news, Elise.

    When I got on here I had an email from Allister with the details. Kidney failure.
    It feels as though we've known Colin for many many years.
    We met on quite a few occasions, and I know he was very much into playing music on his electronic keyboards.
    He was a real character, came along to every get-together, and as has already been said, definitely 'one of the gang'

    And yes, he was far too young to have suffered this terrible disease.
    He had a long, hard fight for so many years.

    Colin, you're at peace now.

    God bless,

    George & Lynn



    BROOKSINT wrote today at 3:12 PM

    I met Colin a few times.
    Eccentric to say the least but one of us!
    Didn't know he was so ill!

    Rest easy Colin

    Mike & Kath xx



    ROB:

    I hope Col can now play his music somewhere now without the distraction of P.Ca. He worked hard at surviving & I'm sad to see he has been taken.

    My condolences to his family.

    Rob

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  67. Very fitting that 'Our Col' be added in with the Bollockeers George. Hopefully, he is catching up with Dad and Big Guy now xx Rest Easy Guys xx

    ReplyDelete
  68. Thank you so much everyone for your kind comments and love to you George for doing this, it is so nice of you - Keith would be overwhelmed by all the beautiful words spoken about him. He was a fighter yes, he fought for a long time and it gives me great comfort knowing that he suffered no pain - the Doctor who was here shortly before he passed said that she had never seen anyone in the final stages of life as peaceful and calm as Keith was - he was calm, comfortable and in no pain - if it can be said that a death can be beautiful then that would be for Keith. His last full day (Saturday 10th) was spent just him and me, playing his favourite albums all day, he was drifting in and out of consciousness but I do believe he could hear his music - it was a very Special day that I will never forget; he died the following morning after a calm and peaceful night. God bless you all - another good man lost to PCa - I pray one day that this awful disease will be completely curable. xxxxxx Love to you all xxxxxxx

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  69. Just to let you all know the funeral will be held on
    TUESDAY 20TH MARCH at 12:00 midday at the beautiful "CHAPEL OF SAN PASCUAL DE BAYLON" on the hillside in the village of El Agua de Enmedio, near Mojacar (on the road towards Carboneras, just before El Sopalmo - you will see the Church on the right up on the hill) see picture below.

    People are asked to arrive by 11:50 a.m. and Keith will be brought in once everyone has arrived (you know he always liked to make an 'entrance' ) :-)

    It was Keith's wish that there are no flowers at all, even from family, as he would rather money spent on flowers is donated to MACS, the cancer support group here in Mojacar who have helped us so much. There will be a table set up at the Church with MACS tins for people to make their donation or they can make the donation afterwards, obviously your own choice.

    After the service everyone is invited to the one place he wanted to be, his favourite bar on Mojacar Playa "Pachamama Rock" where we will offer a toast to his memory and celebrate his life and play the music he liked (albeit not quite as loud as he liked) - this is exactly as he wished.

    If anyone would like to go and see Keith before the funeral, viewing is arranged for Monday 19th March between the hours of 5pm and 6pm at the Tanatorio Virgen Del Rio in Huercal Overa.

    We will do him proud xxxx
    By: Anita Oakes

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  70. Happy Birthday to my Dad xx Missing you so much every day xx

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  71. It wouldn't let me copy a photo of our dear Mark.

    RIP Mark, keep upstairs ready for us !!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Since hearing the sad news early this morning, I've struggled to find the words to express my sadness .
    Normally one can find a few sentences, some words of condolence for the family but I find myself distraught with grief.

    Mark wasn't just another victim of this cruel disease, he was my friend, one of my best friends and I will miss him terribly.
    We walked the "Rocky Road" together, went to see our beloved Spurs and kept in contant touch by all means possible.
    In the early days I was fascinated to meet someone on the (then) "miracle" drug, Abiraterone (or "Abby Tab" as Mark used to call it).

    Here was a man larger than life and full of optimism, despite a poor prognosis.
    He got me tickets for the Spurs v Portsmouth FA Cup semi final at Wembley and insisted on coming over to Belfast to deliver them in person .
    How he revelled in taking the "terror tour" of the Shankill and Falls Road, ending up pictured in the Lord Mayor's chair in Belfast City Hall .

    He was the King of the "Lab Rats", putting his body on the line time and time again in clinical trials so that others may one day benefit.
    He suffered terribly in recent times but never complained - that was the measure of the man.
    I'm glad he got to go to Leicester and we had another chance to hug and catch up for I suspect he knew then we would not meet again.

    That holiday in Majorca was last thing he dedicated himself to achieving and it is to his great credit that he made it, a few last days in the sun with his beloved Debs and family.

    I envied his ability to express his opinions on life and this terrible disease so eloquently.
    I've said it before and I'll say it again, Mark took on the mantle of the late great Andy Ripley in that respect.
    We even sat together at the Southwark Cathedral memorial service for Andy, surrounded by "egg chuckers" as Mark called us rugby lot .
    There is a great void left in the forums by his absence but above all a thorougly decent human being has left us and we are all the poorer for it

    Rest in Peace my Friend

    Audere Est Facere

    Allister

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  73. Mark made a huge impact on us all....and he made a difference.
    I can't sum it up better than Allister has done.

    I for one will miss him like crazy. His humour was infectious and he was one of the kindest, most genuine guys you could ever meet.

    This photo was taken in September 2010, when most of us met Mark for the first time at The Mill on The Soar:



    Mark with Paul (Spotty Dogster). These two lit up the PCC forums with their wicked banter.
    Sady, Paul passed away a few months after this meeting.


    This next one is from June 2011, again at The Mill:



    Mark with his beloved 'Debs'.


    It's hard to believe that this next one was taken less than two months ago, 30th June at The Mill



    ALLISTER, ELISE & MARK



    REST IN PEACE, MARK
    WE ARE GOING TO MISS YOU TERRIBLY

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  74. Since hearing the sad news early this morning, I've struggled to find the words to express my sadness .
    Normally one can find a few sentences, some words of condolence for the family but I find myself distraught with grief.

    Mark wasn't just another victim of this cruel disease, he was my friend, one of my best friends and I will miss him terribly.
    We walked the "Rocky Road" together, went to see our beloved Spurs and kept in constant touch by all means possible.
    In the early days I was fascinated to meet someone on the (then) "miracle" drug, Abiraterone (or "Abby Tab" as Mark used to call it).

    Here was a man larger than life and full of optimism, despite a poor prognosis.
    He got me tickets for the Spurs v Portsmouth FA Cup semi final at Wembley and insisted on coming over to Belfast to deliver them in person .
    How he revelled in taking the "terror tour" of the Shankill and Falls Road, ending up pictured in the Lord Mayor's chair in Belfast City Hall .

    He was the King of the "Lab Rats", putting his body on the line time and time again in clinical trials so that others may one day benefit.
    He suffered terribly in recent times but never complained - that was the measure of the man.

    I'm glad he got to go to Leicester and we had another chance to hug and catch up for I suspect he knew then we would not meet again.
    That holiday in Majorca was last thing he dedicated himself to achieving and it is to his great credit that he made it, a few last days in the sun with his beloved Debs and family.

    I envied his ability to express his opinions on life and this terrible disease so eloquently. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Mark took on the mantle of the late great Andy Ripley in that respect.
    We even sat together at the Southwark Cathedral memorial service for Andy, surrounded by "egg chuckers" as Mark called us rugby lot .

    There is a great void left in the forums by his absence but above all a thorougly decent human being has left us and we are all the poorer for it

    Rest in Peace my Friend

    Audere Est Facere

    Allister

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  75. I couldn't express my feelings as well has Allister has done (like so many of us, I felt speechless), but he has said what we all wanted to say yet couldn't find the words.
    Thank you so much Allister.

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  76. Here are a few photos to help remember the good times:

    September 2010 at The Mill On The Soar, the first time most of us met Mark in person:





    June 2011, again at The Mill, and this time with his beloved wife....his 'Debs'




    And finally, this one taken such a short time ago:

    Sat 30th June 2012 at The Mill:



    ALLISTER, ELISE and MARK


    Rest in Peace Mark, you will be missed terribly.

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  77. Another great man gone up-stairs to the great Caberet to join Phil, Ian and the others of our group to get it prepared for the rest of us when he calls us home.

    Mark, you will be surely missed, your fine words of wisdom and your sence of humour right to the bitter end. RIP dear friend to so many.

    The photo of Mark and Debs at Leicester 2011 is how we will remember him.

    (This is from Shirley) - I chatted with many people at Leicester this year, but I was particularly aware of one person in particular who sat by me for quite a while talking of many things. I felt he was rather special, "stayed" in my memory since, but I hadn't realised it was Mark at the time. He was "special" and I feel so priviledged to have talked with him. Thank you Mark for your presence......You won GOLD !

    Sincere condolences to Debs, the girls and everyone here on BOLLOCKS who will miss him greatly.



    God Bless,



    From Chris and Shirley

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  78. The picture of Mark and Paul made me gulp...I remember when it was taken and moved out of the frame so those two could be snapped together. Now,frozen in time, they both gaze out at me from my pc screen - rest easy boys you went far,far too early

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