G WOOLLEY

Published on 26/03/2014

31 MARCH is the birthday of GRAEME JOHN WOOLLEY, who died at home in Ripon House, Heol Dewi, Fishguard on 5 September 2013. He would have been 48 this year. Born in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, in 1966, and educated at Hassenbrook School and Thurrock Technical College, Graeme's early passions were music and speed. As a teenager he competed keenly around the Go-Kart tracks of Essex (with father Norman as mechanic and pit-crew), and played with a succession of bands on the local pub and club circuit made fashionable by star acts such as Doctor Feelgood. In 1991, Graeme met the love of his life, LAURA, at a New Year party, and they married 11 years later on the Greek island of Skiathos, a place that remained dear to both of them from then on. By this time, Graeme was working in the building industry as a tiler, a trade whch took him around the world, with stints in Germany and Australia. On 9 February 2005, Graeme's son ADAM was born, and from that moment on there was another profound love and passion in his life. He was deeply proud of Adam, and would happily say so to anyone who would listen. In 2008, Graeme and Laura fulfilled a long-held dream of moving permanently to Skiathos, where they lived very happily for three years, Graeme supplementing the family income by performing with a two-man band called "The Vagabonds", which gained a considerable following in the island's bars and hotels. By the Summer of 2011, however, with the economic crisis hitting Greece hard, the family moved once again, this time to West Wales, where Graeme planned to set up a small property development business. He was in the process of refurbishing a large house overlooking Goodwick Harbour for use as a B&B, when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2013. The final months of Graeme's life were an inspiration to all who knew him. He faced his illness with huge courage, strength and selflessness, always showing more concern for those around him than for himself. He never lost his enormous energy and zest for life, becoming a familiar sight around the streets of Fishguard on his classic Vespa scooter, and singing and playing guitar to a devoted band of Facebook followers around the world. He never lost his fierce wit, either. When a Paul Sartori nurse looked out of his bedroom window overlooking the harbour and said, "That's a view to die for, Graeme," his immediate response was, "I'm doing my best, love." And on being told that friends had come to visit from Essex, his last words were, "Why is everyone being so nice to me?" He died peacefully at home, with Laura, Adam, all his family and many friends nearby. Graeme was an unconventional, brave and restless spirit, who nevertheless always remained true to his core values and beliefs. He was a devoted and loving husband and loving and proud father, and in his last years a hard-working businessman of drive and vision. He packed a great deal of living into his 47 years, and is desperately missed by his wife LAURA and son ADAM, his Mum and Dad MAUREEN and NORMAN, his sisters LINDA and ALISON, and all his family and many, many friends. His birthday will be marked by a Dinner at The Old Sailors, Pwllgwaelod on Saturday 29 March, all proceeds going to The Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Charity Himalaya Trek which LAURA and her Fishguard friends, KAY and SAM will be doing in Graeme's memory and to support the charity which looked after him, and his family, so well. Happy Birthday, Grum. None of us who knew you will ever stop loving you.

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