Geoffrey HollandBRADLEYDied peacefully, aged 84 years, at home in St Marychurch on 24/1/24 surrounded by his family.
Beloved husband to Jan, cherished Dad to Charles, and 'Grampy' to his adoring grandchildren.
Geoff was born just a week after the outbreak of WWII in Thorpe St Peter, Lincolnshire.
He was schooled at nearby Raithby Hall.
A keen sportsman, Geoff's devoted older brother David used to bring clean kit for him by bicycle for many of his fixtures.
Dave sadly died in his youth, but his memory lives on through Geoff's firstborn grandson's name.
Geoff loved the land and was proud of his farming roots, going on to work for the Milk Marketing Board across the UK and selling cattle in France.
As a young man he raced motorbikes in his spare time, and in later life fulfilled his ambition of travelling widely around the world.
On moving to Devon, Geoff was a successful businessman - having bought a sweetshop in Totnes, before later being proprietor of a florist, pine furniture retailer, and finally a fruit & veg wholesaler in Torquay before his happy retirement.
He later supported Charles with his first business, a computer repair outfit, although stayed resolutely a fan of paper and ink throughout!
Geoff lived his values of integrity, friendship, respect and service throughout his life; but most of all will be remembered for his service.
He was a prolific fundraiser through events he organised over many years for St Cuthbert Mayne School where he was PTA Chairman and Governor, as well as All Saints' Church Babbacombe where he was inaugural manager of the newly built Church Hall.
Ill health in recent years deprived him of continuing active service to causes he loved to support such as the Poppy Appeal, Riviera Concert Brass, Little Bridge House Children's Hospice and the Ynysowen (Aberfan) Male Voice Choir of which he served proudly as Vice President for many years.
His smile and warmth will be remembered by all who knew him, and his death leaves a large gap in the hearts of all who loved him.
Funeral service at All Saints Church Babbacombe in Torquay on Saturday 24/2/24 at 12 noon.
Family flowers only, but donations to Rowcroft in huge appreciation for the support received by his family when needed.
Thank you to all NHS staff and carers who gave us many more years of joy with this wonderful man than we would have done otherwise.
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