Words to George
I was lucky enough to know George for about 25 years. There are many people here who have known him for half a century or more.
George was a kind, gentle and extremely friendly man. Who always made you feel welcome and valued at all times. These attributes I feel, we all need to work on.
George was one of the “Saga-Surfers”. I only hope that I am that active and surfing like that when I am in my mid 70’s.
I will always remember surfing with George at Portinfer in the early evening when the Sky was going red and sea a lovely turquoise blue. I managed to get a nice wave, paddle back out and was then greeted by that wonderful twinkle in George’s eye that said so much.
I will end this by paraphrasing someone much more eloquent than I: Mary Elizabeth Fry:
“Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the gentle Autumn rain.
I am the swift uplifting rush of the swell.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die.”
To George and his family, 2023
Remembering George
Remember George’s lovely winning smile
And that twinkle in his eye
Which endeared him to all he met
Without having to even try.
From his fellow surfers in the waves
And co workers at Banks and shops
To the chuckling hawkers on the Moroccan beach
To us all George was the tops
*Remember he was such a good listener and friend
Non judgemental he’d quietly advise
After listening to your grave concerns
His responses helpful, witty and wise
*Remember he and Katie were intrepid travellers
Something they needed to be
To visit their beloved Laura and Matt
Who both travelled far O’er the sea
*Remember our group cycle rides?
So fast his legs a blur
His speed on the flat was legendary
Particularly en route to the Fleur
*Remember George loved to surf glassy “knee to head”
Then surfed out we’d laze in the sun
Before raising his head from his sandy slumber
Saying” It’s cleaned up boys…time for more fun”
*Remember after a hard days surf we’d eat
George would say “don’t you think it’d be rude”
“To not finish off with a wee brandy
To complement the food”
*Remember our fantastic Boys surf trips?
We’d retire surfed out to the core
But paper thin walls at Les Dunes were no match
As dear George was known to snore!
*Remember he loved his MG and Triumph
How he and Katie would jump at the chance
To pack up (very lightly) the red sports car
And go touring together around France
*Remember Cobo was his beloved place
Where he and Katie would sit back in the day
To soak up the sun and bathe in the sea
Watching Laura , Matt and then Lilly play
*Remember at Cobo he was part of the community
“What Ho George!” the locals would call
He’d love a wee chat in Maryland shop or the Rocky
Or just sat on the old sea wall
Remember the tides will ebb and flow
Cobo’s red sun will always set
There are some things we will always remember
And George we will never forget.
Kev
