Geoff Parker

Please e mail short tributes to website if you would like to, I will add them to this page.
 

Goeff's funeral took place at Wilford Cemetry with people outside there where so many present showing just how many will miss him, a wake took place at the clubhouse afterwards.

Donations for Hayward House may be sent to A W Lynn, the Family Funeral Service, 9 Church St, Carlton, Tel 0115 9616180

Tribute to Geoff

Looking through the tributes and talking to members of Nottinghamshire County Sailing Club two things are clear when talking about Geoff Parker. Firstly, he was much loved and respected as a gentleman, passionate about sailing and always willing to help. Secondly he was passionate about Nottinghamshire County Sailing Club and making it the best club he could for the members. It is perhaps fitting that this year the club has been selected as one of the top five RYA Clubs in the country and with luck will selected as the best at the Dinghy Show in March, a fitting tribute to his efforts and dedication.

Geoff joined the club whilst it was based at Stoke Bardolph and when he and his wife Val, whom he described to me as his soul mate and life-partner one drunken night in the bar after the Regatta, first came to the club around 1971, they sailed a Fireball that he had built himself, the first of several fast boats that came from his workshop. He and Val won the Fireball Class on four occasions and comments have been passed on the fact he would have her out on the trapeze in conditions others would not venture out in. They moved onto sailing Flying Fifteens after the move to Hoveringham when the lake had been extended.

When not racing dinghies Geoff and Val spent many weekends over thirty years cruising the East Coast and the Low Countries in their shared yacht Trilogy. Many club members were invited along to share the delights of East Coast mud and North Sea winds. Geoff‚s cruising exploits did not always go exactly to plan but he was always the first to laugh about it and tell the tale of how he might have "messed" it up.

Geoff was one of the main instigators in organising the move to Hoveringham and played a key role in organising working parties and organising contractors to construct and maintain the current facilities most notably the clubhouse and its extension. Press-ganged club members supervised by Geoff largely built the original clubhouse.

Geoff was fleet captain for the Fireballs for a number of years and Commodore for two terms. Latterly he was the President a position I know he was honoured to accept. He received recognition from the RYA in the form of a lifetime commitment award for the work and support he gave to promoting sailing and introduced and encouraged numerous people to sailing over the years.

Not only was Geoff a dedicated officer of the club but he was good laugh as well as evidenced by his Tam-o-Shanter and red hair at the New Years Day race that he regularly oversaw as OOD, his games at the Christmas parties and the Club Walk he organised before the start of sailing each year.

Even when Geoff was ill he continued to ask about the progress of the club and when not able to do the physical work any more pestered poor old Henry Perry to do things just the way he wanted them done.

I for one will miss his humour, friendship and passion and my thoughts are with his family.

I will remember him with fondness every time I look out across the water from the clubhouse at the end of days sailing.

Steve Payne Commodore Nottinghamshire County Sailing Club January 2009

 

Our memories go back to the time when Geoff first joined NCSC at Stoke Bardolph.With Val as crew he sailed his Fireball along with the rest of the jet-set Fireballers.

More recently Geoff played a pivotal part in the construction and maintenance of our excellent facilities at Hoveringham- using his undoubted skills on the tools but also coordinating the other contractors and working parties. He always had a better idea how to do a certain task than you did!-and he was invariably correct!!!

Geoff was always full of fun and liked to party. His infectious grin, when he arrived as OOD on many First of the Year races, dressed in a tartan Tam o'Shanter, complete with wild orange hair will remain a happy memory for years to come!

We have lost someone very special.

Norman & Edna Parr, with John and Kim

Geoff always had a kind word and a smile, the amount of work he did behind the scenes was immense but greatly appreciated. A Gentlman of the old school who will be missed by all.

Rachel & Simon McEvoy

I was very saddened to hear that Geoff Parker had passed away last Saturday. He was a stalwart of the club and contributed so much over many years.

My thoughts are with his family and friends .

Regards, Rod Carr. Chief Executive, RYA.

 

Geoff Parker was the one of the cornerstones of of club both on the River Trent at Stoke Bardolph and at our present home at Hoveringham. He has been Commodore twice and more recently our President.

One of his greatest contributions to Notts County was leading the team of club members in constructing the original clubhouse, along with extending it more recently. In charge of works and ways he was the person who ensured everything worked at the club, and the club was maintained.

Geoff also led the club walks and was Race Officer for the First of the Year Race, he used to sail Fireballs, Flying Fifteens amongst many other boats, including a cruiser.

The club will miss a great friend and I shall miss Geoff's sense of humour and banter at the bar, best wishes to Val, Simon & David.

David Eberlin

Much saddened by the news of the death of Geoff, he will be greatly missed. Condolences to his family.

Tony Dunsworth

" Geoff was not just a member of Notts County SC but was the rock .......in the time we have known him I have never heard him say a bad word about anything or body and just given support and help to many......He should never be forgot........."

boggy sarah and samantha mason

Jo and I were upset to hear the sad news that Geoff had passed away and our thoughts are with Val, Dave, Sam and their families
 

Martin Stott

Geoff first became a NCSC member approximate 38 years ago at Stoke Bardolph on the river Trent. Right from the start Geoff became involved with the active running of the club with his renowned hands on approach. Fireballs were the predominant fleet on the river with Geoff winning the class trophy 4 times and fleet captain for many years.

Geoff was one of the main instigators in the difficult decision to make the move for a very small club to the available water at Hoveringham with all the financial commitments and tenancy of only gravel and water. He set about immediately contributing more than anybody in building the club into what it is today with its national recognition.

Geoff contributed to the social scene and always had a joke to tell, some good others `well` and he always rightly maintained if cutt he would have NCSC written through him like a stick of rock. NCSC has lost a good friend and irreplaceable asset, he will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

Our love go out to Val, David, Sam and family.

Will and Teresa Gardner.

When I first came down to the club some 20 years ago the bear bones of the steel fame of the clubhouse was in evidence and the club was ran out of a few old containers and a race office. Like so many other new members one of the first people I got to meet was Geoff and he made me and the family very welcome. It was obvious that he was passionate about the club and he soon press ganged me into being the Sailing Secretary which I enjoyed doing even when we lost the water for a couple of years to gravel extraction. I worked closely with Geoff on improving the lake ( newer members will not remember the trees and the shallows ) and installing the Flying 15 ramp and jetty ( yes I know its at the wrong level but that was my fault not Geoff's).

Later we worked together on the various extensions and improvements to the clubroom. No matter what needed to be done you could rely on Geoff to be there working hard and encouraging others to get stuck in with his trademark whit and wisdom.

All club members owe a great debt of gratitude to Geoff for his substantial contribution to the success of the club as Commodore, works and ways officer and as President.

Of course Geoff was also quite a good sailor and whilst not the most consistent would often be found near the top of the fleet and difficult to beat when on form.

He was a good friend and will be greatly missed.

My thoughts are with Val, Dave and Simon and the rest of the family at this very sad time for them.

Jeff Peters

Being my cousin I have known Geof from a very young age, always the same old Geof ever helpful and always time to sought out your sailing problems.

He will be sadly missed .

Our thoughts are with Val, Simon and Dave.

From Mick, Bobbi, Sallie, James, and Katie Cooper

Geoff was one of the mainstays of NCSC and it was wonderful that he was honoured with the Presidency of the Club in recognition of his long-standing commitment.

His contribution to the organisation of the always hilarious Christmas party games reflect what a fun- loving man he was.

Our thoughts are with Val, Sam, Lisa, Rebecca and his family.

Mike and Kim Goldby

During my two years as Commodore Geoff was always the person whom I could talk to about any issue involving the club.

His support was invaluable and during that period he became a good friend. I will miss him very much.

Ken Twemlow

We were very sorry to hear of Geoff's death, we have nothing but fond memories of him. Our thoughts are with his family and all his sailing mates.

Mike ( alias mick the chip) and Kate Prowton.

It is with much sadness Helen and I learnt to day of Geoff's passing. We will always remember him when we joined the club in 1992, as a very cheerful and open man who had time, enthusiasm and above all joy for anything to do with the club. His contribution to the club was immense and along with Val as past duty secretary they both have made a massive contribution to our enjoyment of sailing and to the club in particular.

We are both sorry for the loss and our thoughts go out to Val and his familiy.

Steve and Helen Lord

Lyndi & I remember Geoff from Stoke Bardolph days (we were Dingoes in those days) he was allways ready to help and give friendly Advice.

What fun we had on the annual Easter Event at abersoch in the 60s. Goeff & Val sailed a Fireball in those days and we remember Val out on a trapeze in winds when no one else would venture out... Happy Days. I always said I'd teach Geoff to windsurf one day he'll have to wait till I arrive now.

Our condolences to Val and the boys.

Russ & Lyndy Towns

Met Geoff 08 08 1988 thats the day I wrote the cheque and joined notts county sailingclub.My life changed there for the better.

We've been firm friends ever since along with many others, Spent many happy hours at the running horse blues club, as his love of music was as mine

I'll play the blues for you mate hope ya listening

ROB BROWN

A few months ago on a very cold, wet and windy Tuesday Geoff and I were sat in the clubhouse having a long chat together. Afterwards, he set off up the lane but he stopped his car near the oak tree. He got out and stood for a long time looking out over the lake. I can only imagine what was going through his mind but that memory of Geoff will remain with me for a very long time. It made me realise how passionate he was for his 'beloved' sailing club.

We owe him so much for all the hard work, drive and enthusiasm he has put into the club over the years. He will be sadly missed by everyone but at this moment in time our thoughts are with Val, Dave and Karen, Sam and Lisa and the grandchildren.

John and Karen

I only met Geoff briefly on one or two occasions but he struck me as a lovely man and I was very sorry to hear about him passing. Condolences to his family.

Jason Clarke

Geoff's positive 'Can do' attitude and his love of sailing and the sailing club will be sadly missed. We all need to take a leaf out of his book and look to the future of the club so that it will benefit others as he did.

We would as a family like to thank him for the legacy he has left. Our thoughts are with the family.

Ian, Linds, Nic and Becca

We were so very sorry to hear the news about Geoff. He was a lovely man who was the best company you could wish for with the funniest stories that kept us in stitches for hours. He was one of the real "movers and shakers" at NCSC right from the early days, completely passionate about the sailing club and its success and a really special person in so many ways.

We have very happy memories of him and are thinking of Val and the family at this sad time.

Love from Jane & Paul (Ogden)

We were so sorry to hear about Geoff, he was a one off. His drive, enthusiasm and love of life will be sorely missed as will his sense of humour and fun.

Geoff was Notts County and without him, Notts County would not be the great club it is today.

Our thoughts go out to Val and all of the family at such a sad time.

Janice, Brian and Emma Start

I only knew Geoff for a few years as a member of the sailing club but he made a lasting impression on me as someone who made a difference. He made an effort to touch everyone's lives in some way. Always positive, always wanting to have fun and help others. He was truly a man who made the most of his life. It is very sad that his life was cut short when he had so much to give to others. He will be sorely missed at the club and by me.

My thoughts and prayers are with Val, Dave and Sam and their families. I will be with you in spirit at the funeral.

Kathy Wilson (Nee Court)

 

Tributes from the Freemasons at Bramcote Lodge- another facet of Geoff's rich and varied life

Geoff passing.
What a dreadful loss. Along with many, many others, we say our goodbyes to a dear friend. I go back to to the time of NCSC at Stoke Bardolph. Geoff organising Frost Bite Series.

Then laying down a challenge to we visiting members from Beeston Sailing Club to a Tug of War between our respective clubs. As was the norm with Geoff, a slight change in rules. The rope was stretched across the River Trent. Yes we got very wet. With such a character, I just had to join the club.

Although I haven‚t sailed alongside Geoff for some time, our friendship continued through the years. My delight when he joined me in becoming a Freemason. He brought to the Lodge the same enthusiasm he had in all his commitments. A popular & much loved Brother.

As Masons remark. Geoffrey lived respected & died regretted. God Bless you Geoff.

Your Masonic Brethren send their deep condolences to Val, David, Sam, Karen, Lisa & grandchildren.

Eddie Verne & Janet

I met Geoff through the Freemasons at the Bramcote Lodge, he has helped me through my ritual many times and he was a guiding light to all the junior brethen.

My deepest Sympathy go out to Valerie and his family. Geoff, you will be dearly missed.

Bro Gordon Smith

I first got to know Geoff about 10 years ago when he joined Bramcote Masonic Lodge of which I am a member. He was one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet; hospitable, charitable, amusing, honest and sincere.

He will be sadly missed. God Bless you Geoff.

Sincere condolenses to Val and family.

Peter and Jacky Zipser

Brother Geoff, you will be sadly missed by all the brethren of Bramcote lodge, our heart felt wishes go out to Val, your family and friends

Bro Dave & Sacha Stammers

Deepest condolences to family his masonic friends and Brothers will miss miss him and all he came in contact with will our loss is Heavens gain.

I first met Geoff when I was a visitor to Bramcote Lodge where he demonstrated true fellowship and made me feel most welcome. From then on I became a regular visitor to Bramcote Lodge and he became a regular visitor to my lodge, Radcliffe, where we spent many happy evenings together and I got to hear, at length, his many sailing adventures (mishaps)!

He had an infectious laugh and Œrefined‚ sense of humour. He was clearly passionate about sailing and the club to whom he clearly gave so much of himself. He was a true gent and a much respected freemason who has left his mark in this world and will be long remembered.

My thoughts and those of Jill go to Val and the family at this sad time.

Graham and Jill Riche Radcliffe Lodge, West Bridgford.

Although I only met Geoff 10 years ago when he joined Bramcote Lodge I quickly felt we had been friends for many years.

He clearly appreciated and worked to promote the better values in life whilst his natural modesty concealed the great things he had already achieved. Only recently has this come to light to many of us associated with him.

You will be greatly missed by us all. but never forgotten

Our thoughts are with you Val and your family at this sad time.

Len and Joan Fenwic

Our Brother Geoff will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He was always ready to help anyone who needed it and the many messages on this page are a fitting tribute to someone who was held in very high regard both in Masonry and at the Sailing Club.

God bless you Geoff
Bro Bob Phillips

I joined Bramcote lodge at the same time as Geoff and progressed through the lodge together.

the way you dealt with your illness was a shining example to us all, you will be sadly missed my

thoughts are with Val and family.

Colin & Jo Waring
W.M Bramcote lodge

Geoff and I started lodge at almost the same time and worked closely together. I will always remember him for his honesty - sincerity and support shown to me in the past. It was a pleasure to know him as a friend and Brother and probably one of the most modest people I’ve ever known. My Heart Felt Sympathy to Val and Family.

Graham Halls

The masonic bretheren join your many saling club friends in offering our deep condolances to Valerie & Geoff's family. We shall miss Brother Geoff so much. A very active & keen Mason. Lightened our days with his humour & by just being there. Rest in peace Geoff.

Brian & Brenda Hyndman.

AS WITH EVERY OTHER FACET OF YOUR LIFE YOU MADE A GREAT IMPRESSION AT BRAMCOTE LODGE. WE WERE ALL ENJOYING HELPING YOU TO FULFIL YOUR AMBITION TO LEAD THE LODGE, AND YOUR BRAVERY AND DIGNITY IN A LOSING BATTLE WAS A SHINING EXAMPLE TO ALL OF US. YOU LIVED RESPECTED AND DIED REGRETTED.
JOHN WHYMAN.