 Former GHC member Dan Please has written to let us know his father, Keith Please, passed away 15 April, aged 79 years. Keith was a member of GHC and is remembered by many who played with him. A loved father, husband, grandfather, teacher and poet, Dan shares some thoughts about his father's link to GHC.
I can't for certain tell you when dad started to play for GHC. I had a stick in my hand around the age of 6. He was 35 when I was born and he played through for GHC until he was about 55. Probably safe to assume he had 15 years as a player.
He played and captained for the 5ths, Pilgrims. Many many tours with the 5ths - Guernsey, Ireland, I think Liverpool also? He also played for 3s and Wanderers and I assume for the 4ths and Shadows at some points. He may have been captain for these sides.
He loved playing hockey, the camaraderie, and the 5ths tours in particular.
We played 5ths together in my first senior season with Guildford and we both scored in the same game at least once.
He maintained support for the club regularly watching me play through to 2007 and then the 1st XI until his health no longer allowed.
He started as an attacking inner and scored a lot for the 3s. He was part of a duo that regularly notched up 20 goals a season each. He found his place in the midfield in later stages. Lync player. Bit like me :)
I seem to recall he may have pulled together some words into a history of the club. His grasp of language and communication was a wonderful facet of his deep character.
A native of the Isle of Wight, he was simultaneously county captain for Hampshire schools across rugby, cricket and hockey. He went to Oxford uni and never got a blue. He focused on rugby as a stand-off and was 3rd in line behind 2 internal players. He always felt that if he had focused on hockey he would have played for the Uni first team.
He had an appreciation for top quality hockey (and sport in general)...and for real ale - especially when poured from the 5th's maroon watering can.
He is survived by his 3rd wife Maureen, 3 children and 5 grandchildren.
Dan Please
Notice in this week's Surrey Advertiser:
PLEASE Keith Patrick, of Godalming, died on 15th April 2015, aged 79 years. Loved father, husband, grandfather, teacher and poet. Funeral service at Guildford Crematorium on Wednesday 29th April at 1.30pm. All friends welcome. Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, to two charities close to Keith's heart - The Samaritans and the RNLI may be sent c/o J Gorringe & Son Funeral Directors, 55 Hare Lane, Farncombe GU7 3EF tel 01483 416403
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