It is with sadness that I have to report that our friend and colleague GRAHAM BASKERVILLE, known affectionately to his family as GRUMP, passed away aged 76 years, at approx 0400 hours, Tuesday, 11th September 2012.  Graham passed away at the Douglas McMillain Hospice where he had been an in-patient for 7 weeks following earlier treatment at the Cancer Centre, University Hospital of North Staffordshire. He had been suffering with Cancer of the lung for 3 years, and, more recently, associated secondaries.

He served in the RAMC during the mid I 950s, with an extended period of National Service. He completed tours of duty in Egypt and Cyprus, and then returned to Egypt during the Suez Crisis where he was part of a unit providing medical cover to the Royal Marines.

He has been a stalwart of the North Midlands Branch for many years, was always the first to volunteer for anything that came up. Graham rarely missed a parade or service, and, despite his illness, attended Corps Sunday and the AGM at Alrewas this year. He was a demon when it came fundraising, he would collect for anyone that asked, but in particular the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and the Donna Louise Children's Hospice. He was first there in the morning and last out at night. Graham had a quirky sense of humour, and loved to ‘wind people up’. He had a wealth of stories to tell about his experiences. He will be sadly missed by many people.

Despite being unable to read music, he could knock out all sorts of tunes on his organ at home. He was a lover of old films, usually comedies, and a fan of Laurel & Hardy, and Last of the Summer Wine. He had a passion for railways and engines, particular steamers. He had an extensive model railway layout in his bedroom; he was also a volunteer at the Churnet Valley Railway, where he did anything from working on the platform up to driving the engines.

Our condolences go out to his wife of 52 years Eileen, to his son and daughter, and the rest of the family.

FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATION...

1400 hours, WEDNESDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER,

at BRADWELL CREMATORIUM.