GRAHAM LUCK – 1933-2019

Graham Luck was a student at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School from 1944 until 1950. His funeral took place at Sutton Coldfield crematorium on Tuesday 9th April 2019.

His last few years were blighted by cancer that began in his hip but he retained his sense of humour throughout a long and brave fight against that cruel disease. It was for his amazing sense of being able to see the funny side of most situations that endeared Graham to all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Graham was a member of Sutton Coldfield Round Table and later became Chairman of the 41 Club. The highlight of his working career was escape from the drudgery of office life to sales and travelling for Farmers’ Weekly which complimented his long held love of farming and gardening instilled in  his upbringing on his uncles farm off Hillwood Common Road.

Graham was a lifelong Suttonian but loved his travel and visited many far flung parts of the world with his wife Diane and special friends Jeff and Vicky Davies. Graham and Diane’s daughter Tina married Tony in 1998 and the arrival of twin daughters Hannah and Olivia provided great happiness to Diane and Graham.

Graham Luck was a practical man having built his own sports car in his early 20’s and a fish pond in every house he and Diane lived in, together with several sheds and a greenhouse. But the finer things in life were also appreciated by him. He enjoyed reading and composed the odd poem not to mention his ability on the piano which included playing in a jazz band for a Concert Party.

Graham loved his sport as a supporter and Vice President of the Old Veseyan Rugby Club, an occasional cricketer and keen spectator at Little Aston Cricket Club. He was a member of Moor Hall Golf Club and the Old Veseyan Golf Society.

Graham was a past captain of the Old Veseyan Golf Society and his Hole-in-One was recorded at Moseley Golf Club in a match against the Old Edwardians. Graham handled a difficult situation that arose during his captaincy with great diplomacy and courage.

Over the past few years Graham played his golf with the Moor Hall Shaggy Dogs Golf Society and was treasurer of that august society for a time. He also attended the Old Veseyan Shaggy Dogs Tea Party and their monthly luncheon before his illness denied him that escape.

During a recent respite stay at Wyndley Nursing Home he was wheeled out to admire the wildlife on Wyndley Pool. On his return to his room he expanded enthusiastically about the species that he had seen and then added, with a typical grin, “but I really enjoyed my cigar!”

It was Graham’s humour and friendly demeanour that endeared him to all who came into contact with him.

As his daughter Tina put it:-

“He was truly adored ....I am sure all whom knew him will miss him dreadfully. Please raise a glass of your favourite tipple in his memory,  that would have been his wish.”

For those who attended Graham’s funeral, you will recognise some of the words that were delivered at the service by lifelong friend, Jeff Davies (Old Veseyan) and yours truly.

Canon Frank Longbottom conducted the service to a packed crematorium and acknowledgements are due to Graham’s wife Diane and Daughter Tina for their inputs.