I have just seen that Graham Cummings has passed away after a short illness. Only last week he posted on his blog from James Cook Hospital reporting on his diagnosis and sounding really optimistic of a recovery in a few weeks. Now I read he has passed away. I only knew Graham when I bought a few things from his Crann Tara company before he sold it on to Dave Ryan at Caliver. Graham's passing is a great loss to his family and friends, but also diminishes our hobby community of course.
Speaking of Dave, he's only just out of hospital himself, having contracted not one, but two strains of COVID! I also read that Ray Rousell is hospitalised with blood clots on the lungs and pneumonia. Much younger chap than yours truly and full of life whenever I've met him. Then there was the passing of Bryan Ansell late in December last year. Another loss to the hobby of one of its most influential folk, which in turn brought back memories of Duncan's sudden passing... It's all made me think you understand.
I may still see myself in the young lad in this photo, but the reality is that I'm past my three score years and ten and I'm finding that any news like that of Graham's passing or the hospitalisation of folk I know like Dave and Ray affects me far more than it used to. Where did all those years go, not to mention all those little lead chaps?
Very sad news and reinforces that we must all seize the day whatever our age.
ReplyDeleteCould I just grasp it gently do you think? Don't want to risk an injury at my age...👴🏻
DeleteShocking news about Graham. I reckon many of us still see ourselves as the young lad in your photo. Very sad.
ReplyDeleteTrue Jonathan, on all counts.
DeleteHeard about Grahams passing this morning and it was a great shock, so very sad. Indeed it really does make one wonder about their own mortality.
ReplyDeleteIt does make for reflection I've found.
DeleteWas shocked to hear about Graham, he was very much part of the fabric of this community and hobby. Agree with Phil, seize the day.
ReplyDeleteI am grasping it gently Norm. Mustn't overdo it at my age.
DeleteVery sad news about Graham indeed…
ReplyDeleteAll the more shocking as he seemed so upbeat in his last blog post…
A fine fellow who will be sorely missed…
I’ve never really stopped feeling like the child in that picture… Unfortunately it’s only my mind that is 10 years old…
As Phil said… Seize the day.
All the best. Aly
Mind and body not aligned then? I know it well.
DeleteSad news and inevitably some reflection, but I’m with the others seize the day 👍
ReplyDeleteStill grasping gently...
DeleteSuch a shock when someone passes away so quickly, when it all seemed relatively OK not that long before. He used to comment on my own Blog now and then and was always supportive and generous in his comments.
ReplyDeleteAfter my brush with the Big 'C', it does make you address your own mortality and to try and make the most of each day, but to plan for tomorrow too.
Indeed SteveJ. Planning stuff already beyond the Crimean War project.
DeleteThanks for the shout out Dave. Luckily I'm still here being looked after by the wonderful underpaid nurses and staff in hospital. The pneumonia is nearly gone, just gotta work out what the doctors wanna do with my blood clots. Hopefully my get out of jail card will be stamped very soon?
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are progressing well Ray, hope you are soon out and home again hale and hearty!
DeleteVery sad news indeed, and upsetting! Despite how it sometimes seems, you're not on your own in your line of thought. The Important thing is that we all stick together and support each other, and continue to enjoy our wonderful hobby for as long as we can.... We can do little else!
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteAs my brother informs me “We are in the departure lounge Geordie” so yes, grab every moment.
ReplyDeleteIn God's Waiting Room, can't really argue with that George.
ReplyDelete