It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Graeme Marrs on Friday 16th August at the age of 79.
Graeme has served the Wooden Spoon Anti-Assassins R.U.F.C. faithfully for many years having been Hon. Secretary since taking over from Sue Gardiner a decade ago. His regular reports and newsletters, written in his inimitable style, have kept all members well informed. He was an inveterate supporter of the tours to the Caribbean Sevens, the Dubai Sevens and more recently to Spain. A true Bon Viveur, he was generous to a fault and relished many late-night sessions. He embodied the A-As’ ethos.
Graeme was also a former Hon. Secretary and President of both Cheshire County R.F.U. and Birkenhead Park F.C. He was at the heart of Cheshire R.F.U. for over 20 years, involving himself in all aspects of the C.B. He was the Chair of the County Championship committee and was also an accredited discipline panellist sitting on the Cheshire West panel.
Graeme’s support for the Age Grade game was unstinting, either in Cheshire at the North of England Sevens at Birkenhead Park, or further afield at the Sedbergh Tens or Rosslyn Park Sevens where he controlled events over the Public Address System with his own impish brand of humour. For these activities, he was granted an Award for Services to Schools’ Rugby by the England Rugby Football Schools’ Union.
Graeme was educated at Rossall School and was the President of the Rossallian Club. He had many friends in Lancashire Rugby, having been a fervent promoter of the County Championship and a member of the North West Facilities and Funding Working Group.
Outside of rugby Graeme received an MBE for export to the Caribbean and was both Master of the Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers and a freeman of the City of London.
A Thanksgiving Service to celebrate Graeme’s life will be held at St. Bridget’s Church, West Kirby, CH48 7HL on Tuesday 10th September at 1.30 pm. The family have requested no flowers, but donations may be sent, if required, to Wooden Spoon, c/o Charles Stephens, 17 Banks Road, West Kirby, CH48 0QX.
Graeme will be greatly missed by all involved in the Game. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Poppet, daughter Alison and son Nicholas. Thank you Graeme and may you Rest in Peace.
Peter Hughes
25th August 2019