Obituary
Neil Gracey died at his home in Willaston on 14th June 2007 after a long and
brave battle with cancer.
Following his early education at Galtres Primary School in Kings Lane, Higher Bebington, Neil passed the entrance exam to Birkenhead School in 1950, were he was a beneficiary of the Direct Grant system, the promotion of which was to become a watchword for the rest of his life.
At school he played a full part in the school activities, winning several prizes in his early academic career, before going on to captain the School 1st XV at rugby, as well as being head of his House.
Neil played a major part in the CCF and in particular the band where he become the drum major. One who played in that same band writes “A few years later I recall him in the CCF band, resplendent with a leopard -skin draped over his army uniform as he belted out the beat on a huge drum strapped on to him as we marched round the town on Remembrance Sunday prior to a service at the Plaza cinema.”
Sport was to occupy a significant part of Neil’s life. Playing for Old Birkonian FC he was a magnificent ‘No 8’, fearless in defence and incisive in attack. He had the best screw kick that I have ever seen, effortlessly punting the ball 60 – 70 yards along the touchline before watching it fade into touch at the last moment, turning defence to attack in devastating fashion and demoralizing opponents at the same time. Neil was a Cheshire County player, and he also played for the North West army side. He ended his rugby career playing for Hoylake, where he helped with coaching younger players – putting back something into the game that he loved – so characteristic of the man.
If you became Neil’s friend then that was it, it was a lifelong commitment, no question asked; whatever trouble you may encounter as you went through life Neil was always there to lend a hand, a quiet word of consolation, or indeed congratulations if you managed to achieve anything. Neil did not think of himself, others always came first.
Called up for National Service in 1959, Neil decided that he wanted to see
action, so typically instead of doing the two years demanded at the time Neil
took up a short service commission and thereafter saw service in many parts of
the world, principally Africa. He ended up seconded to the Nigerian Army where
he helped to train that force. He loved his men and they in turn loved him. Many
tales he told of his life with the Nigerian Army.
Neil was a raconteur without peer. His mimicry was memorable. He could conjure up voices and gestures of people from his past, and indeed his present, with a facility that became legendary.
His commercial career took him into the service of Associated Octel engaged in the petroleum industry in Ellesmere Port where he gave the greater part of his life to that company.
Neil was for some twenty years secretary of the Viking Youth Club in Rock Ferry; here he devoted a great deal of his time to helping others less fortunate then himself. His tireless fund raising efforts enabled him to pull the club up by its bootstraps and to become the thriving club that it is today, helping youngsters to make their way in the world in the same way that Birkenhead School had helped him.
Neil was as devoted to his country as he was to his friends, colleagues and family. He was active in promoting his county’s interests against the suffocating blanket of bureaucracy being inflicted on it by the European Union. Although not a politician he was very much involved in organisations which were seeking to put his country first.
About five years ago Neil developed cancer. The initial operation was successful, but sadly it hadn’t prevented the disease from spreading to his lungs. In two operations he had the greater part of one lung removed. He was impatient with his enforced stays in hospital. I think it might be realistic to say that he was not a good patient!
Neil lived for all of his married life in the little Wirral village of Willaston. He leaves Jenni, his wife of over forty years, and his three lovely daughters, Jane, Ailsa and Clare.
Neil will always be remembered for his love of life, his love of sport, his love for his country, for his friends and for his family.
Thank you Neil Gracey for over sixty years of unswerving and loyal friendship.
David Allan
June 2007
A Message from Clare Hewson - Neil's middle daughter
The family of Neil Gracey would like to send their heartfelt thanks to all
the Society members from all around the world that have sent lovely messages,
thoughts and gifts to us at this very sad time. It has been comforting for all
of us especially for our dear Mum who is coping remarkably well in these very
sad circumstances.
My father was truly a remarkable gentleman. He was an inspiration to us all,
having struggled so determinedly over the last five years to keep going and
fighting, his parting was very peaceful and all his family were with him.
He often talked to us about the OB's and the solid friendship he shared with you
all. He was an amazingly hardworking, man who strove to achieve the best he
could possibly offer, not only to you his friends, his family and those less
fortunate than himself.
I have grown up with the most amazing friend at my side, our loss is
indescribable but take great comfort that we where all privileged to have
experienced such a remarkable, lovely man
The family is immensely proud that you are thinking about the scholarship in his
name, and would love to be involved, my mother already holds some staggeringly
generous cheques for the fund, which will be forwarded to Davey Allen, and there
will be more to follow no doubt.
We share your loss too and send our love and kind regards to each of you.
Love, Clare Hewson ( middle daughter)
P.S Any funny stories and memories that you have shared with him I would love to
hear as my father and I shared the same sense of humour - this would be greatly
appreciated.
Add your memory of Neil Gracey
It is impossible to compress the very full life of someone like Neil Gracey into a few brief paragraphs of an obituary. We are therefore inviting you and indeed everyone who knew Neil to contribute to this obituary with their own memories and anecdotes of this much loved man. We hope to build up a fuller picture of Neil which will act as an inspiration to others who may be influenced by the philosophy which drove him.
Please send your memories and stories about Neil click here to send them to David Allan and they will be incorporated in this page as a tribute to a wonderful Old Birkonian and a fine example of the Direct Grant system.
