Jeffrey Kendal George
Tribute to Jeffrey Kendal George (written by Edward George)
What can I tell you about my Dad that you do not already know? Writing this eulogy has been hard (I am sure that reading it without crying will be even harder). The hardest thing is trying to keep it under 3 hours for he was a man that did so much and meant so much to so many.
So where do I start this tribute to a man I was proud enough to be able to call my Dad – the start seems as good a place as any.
Raised at the family Fish shop on Tipton High Street and educated at St Chads in Wolverhampton, Dad went on to qualify to attend Liverpool University to study Dentistry. One can only imagine what an eye opener that was for him to be in Liverpool in the early 60s when it was the cultural and musical centre of the universe. He even had a small unknown band called the Beatles play at his Hall dinner one night.
After graduating and spending 6 months in Birmingham he joined a practice in Worcester which he eventually bought. It was here in Worcester that he found the love of his life, and in 1965 he joined the Worcester Golf and Country Club and took up golf full time.
It was also around this time, the late 60s were a bit if a haze for all involved, that he met his soulmate, who as fate would have it was living just 2 doors down from him in the flats at Wentworth Court.
Their partnership in work, life and love would stand the test of time and would give them over 50 years of memories together. As well as 2 wonderful children and 5 grandchildren.
Round table became another passion of Dad’s. His involvement with fund raising was entered into with great enthusiasm, be it building the largest bonfires Worcester had seen since the civil war, to the year when he was Chairman and “Jeff fixed it for me.” It was an opportunity for children and less fortunate adults to have a little wish come true with Jeff persuading fellow tablers to give a child a ride in a sports car, take a disabled person to the theatre, or a ride on a steam train. When Worcester round table was in danger of becoming oversubscribed Dad became involved in the successful formation of the Elgar Round table.
“How about having a wine tasting society” was the next venture suggested and Dad became the first Maître de vin in 1986. To taste, invest and become knowledgeable in the world of wine became the moto of The Worcester Wine Cabinet
Golf played a big part in Dad’s life, how he managed to find the time to play and keep a single figure handicap for so long is amazing given his other obligations of being a husband, a father, a business owner, his numerous charity and committee roles, but that was who he was.
He loved Boughton Park (Worcester G&CC), and gave so much to that club. As Captain he was responsible for overseeing the re-design of the course, a massive undertaking. Roles as President and numerous other positions followed, he was always giving back to the club.
His golf took him and mum all over the world, and through golf they made many great friends and memories. So many golfing trips to South Africa, America, Australia, Spain and especially Portugal, (Dad loved Port, and Portugal) all these trips with so many friends and different groups.
Dad loved his sport, any sport, he would happily watch it. Before his stroke he was a walking encyclopaedia of sporting results or facts, I didn’t need to google it I would just ask Dad. But even after his stroke he still loved watching sport, cheering on the Wolves, the Warriors or the Pears was when he was happiest.
The Worcester Wine Cabinet, the Wine Club, the Claret Club – there seems to be a theme here and you are right. It is that Dad was always willing to be involved, and he loved a good glass or two of wine. But most of all he loved spending time with friends and having a laugh.
