John Craggs passed away Sunday 20th June aged 83
John was a remarkably fit man and the first we heard of a problem was on Monday 1st June when he wrote to us just 3 days before he was due to travel with our team to Paris and was to partner with Pascale saying“I am very sorry to say that I am having to withdraw from the visit to Paris this week. I have a medical issue which needs to be resolved” He passed away just nineteen days later after complications relating to a perforated duodenum
Pascale wrote the following:
I still can’t believe John is gone. Such devastating news!
For the last ten years he was not only my bridge partner but also a dear friend. Win or lose, he always played with grace and respect for partners and opponents alike. He treated everyone with kindness and courtesy. He was a true gentleman.
John was also a keen sportsman who enjoyed tennis and skiing holidays with his family. Those precious times with his family meant a lot to him.
He was a great contributor to the bridge committee. The success of many of our organised matches was due to his efficiency, dedication and willingness to help.
He was also a mentor to many of the players, always generous with his time, encouragement and support.
John will be remembered with deep affection by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be greatly missed.
Rest in peace John.
I wrote this message to John shortly before he passed away. Which I know was read.
I have been kept informed of your progress through Howard Salter and although I have not messaged you, I have been really concerned for your wellbeing. I understand that surgery has not gone as well as it should but hopefully you are healing and over the worst. You are a great man and everyone from the bridge continually ask after you and you are missed by us all and especially by me. Please do not feel you have to reply to this – I just want you to know how much I care for you and look forward to seeing you in good health and hope this will be in the very near future. My best wishes Howard
John never revealed much about himself but reading through some of his emails, he clearly showed a keen sense of wit and I will read out a couple of extracts
In reply to an invite to one of my parties he said “The only remaining decision is what to wear in order to boogie.” And then after the party “And then there was the dancing. I haven’t danced for ages (if you can call it that). Such great music to get us moving on the dancefloor. My aching feet!”
and another email sent on the 6th May to John Kemball regarding a change to the newsletter “Congratulations to Andrew Kisiel who has attained Ace of Clubs. He now rules over three Kings – Lester, Paul W and Nigel. They are kept company by John Craggs and Howard W who are identifying as Queens!”
I would like to mention the tribute on our WhatsApp group from Elizabeth Tucker
“I was so fortunate to have him as a mentor and will never forget his kindness patience and wit”
And finally the email sent by Howard Salter
My dear Alexander and Christian,
Such a sad loss. I have only know your father to be a soft-spoken gentleman with an underlying sense of principle and values. A quiet dry humour and In all the years I have known him, I have never heard a harsh or rude word towards anyone.
We will all miss him as a singularly lovely man.
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