What a shock it was to receive the news thar our dear friend had passed away, we had known Graham for many years, then in 2002 I made my first of many trips to Ireland for the circuit shows, it was then that I got to know him not just as a bloke who showed ESS 😀 he just loved the Irish trips and we had many lovely weeks making memories, all the U.K. exhibitors and of course his Irish family the Beattie’s loved the annual meet up at the Beaufort Arms for dinner it was always a great night, it appeared all the pub landlords knew him ! Graham was a font of knowledge with the KC rules and regs and never failed to answer my queries, he helped me so much and I’m sure he willingly helped many others too. Lesley McCourt, myself and Graham had a little chat group for quite a few years and rarely a day went by that we didn’t chat about something or other especially after he became housebound, I certainly miss those chats and I’m sure Lesley does too. Graham was delighted when he was passed to award CC’s in WSS but sadly had to pull out of the appointment due to his disability but I know he lived in hope and was determined that one day he would do it but sadly that wasn’t to be. Rest easy Graham no more pain. Your friend Kay Woodward
This news came as a great shock, just as we were all thinking how much more positive Graham sounded following his protracted stay in hospital last year. So many of us have worked closely with Graham over the years and I was taken aback by the impact this news had on me, not only a huge sadness that his last years were beset with pain rather than a retirement planning golf days and trips to Eire where he was at his happiest. Like Louise, it was his kindness I recall most vividly rather than his sometimes domineering mannerisms at meetings! He was a pleasure to work with during my tenure as secretary and I regarded him as a wise mentor who taught me much when I took my first steps into Society affairs as a novice to the show world. My telephone bills in those early days were extravagant enough to prompt comment from my other half I had been talking too much to my chairman! We will all miss him terribly but there is comfort to know he is now pain free and resting in peace after a life of devoted service to dogdom and our breed in particular. Celia Woodbridge
I have known Graham for 35 years and worked closely with him on the Southern for the past 26. When he turned his hand to being the Treasurer of NWA, I was pleased to be able to lend a hand. Graham had a wealth of experience and knowledge; he had a strong opinion on most things but was always willing to listen to others. After suffering with his health over the past few years, he had appeared to have turned a corner, so I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. I considered him a true friend and will miss our chats immensely. Paul Osbourne (Braego)