Grahame Powell

Mad person & friend

Dave Coyne

The quiet Irishman

Gerry Smith

Backgammon player & friend

It is with great sadness that I have to report the sudden death of Gerry Smith, from Blackburn. Gerry died in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday, 25 August, in hospital following an operation.

I first met Gerry in March 1992 when he became a member of Biba. He'd come late in life to backgammon but, what he lacked in experience he more than made up for in enthusiasm. It was quite obvious that he enjoyed playing the game, so much so that he taught his wife, Daphne to play and then encouraged her to join in 1997 so that they could both attend tournaments.

His greatest claim to backgammon fame was his Runner-up position in the 1999 British Open when he was beaten in the Final by one of the best players in the world (then and now), Neil Kazaross. It was evident that he was nervous, and his excessive shaking of his dice cup was an indication of that nervousness. However, when it was all over he beamed one of his smiles across at me and reported, "Put Neil down for a win, Michael!"

He once told me that he was a boxer in his youth and that he had sparred a few rounds with the legendary, Freddie Mills. Looking at the shape of his nose I didn't doubt it for a minute.

In later life he worked a market stall in Blackpool selling jewellery (a far cry from the boxing ring). He even retired from the business and became a man of leisure. But, Gerry wasn't a man of leisure type - he was a man of action. His time each day was spent reading the newspaper, but it wasn't long before he was prowling his home in Blackpool looking for something to keep him occupied. The lure of the jewellery trade beckoned and he gave in - much to Daphne's relief.

He was a generous man who treated his friends well. When I purchased a diamond ring from him for Sharen it wasn't until we had it valued for insurance purposes that we realised its true value. When I offered to pay more he gently but resolutely refused to accept a penny.

Gerry was a gentleman to the ladies and a man to the men. A product from a previous era he was the most charming of men, and the ladies loved him for his manners and respectful attitude. Men respected him for his forthright attitude and no nonsense approach to life.

Daphne died earlier this year and it was painful to see how much he missed her. I doubt if any blow from Freddie Mills could have hurt him as much as the loss of his dear Daphne. I don't think he ever came out of shock, and, when he did reappear at backgammon tournaments, his smile was that bit diminished and the sparkle in his eyes was never so bright as when they were together.

I like to think that he and Daphne are once again reunited. I can see them, playing backgammon, being looked down upon by the dice Gods, as they in turn look down upon us, their friends and family.

It wasn't hard to like Gerry. I for one will greatly miss his bone-crushing handshake, his wide, beaming smile and his self-effacing sense of humour. I am proud that he looked upon Sharen and me as friends - we shall always remember him and Daphne.

.

Tributes

Brian Lever: I am really sorry to hear the news of Gerry’s death. I’ve known Gerry all my backgammon playing life, from the early days in the Manchester casino tournaments. Win or lose, he was an absolute gentleman and would have made a fitting recipient of Dod’s sportsmanship trophy. To think we only lost his wife Daphne a matter of months ago. Perhaps they’re on a white cloud somewhere, enjoying a celestial chouette with our other departed friends!

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Dave Coyne

Died 17 January 2006

Tributes

Michael Crane

I didn't know Dave Coyne very well. I'd only met him a few times, always at backgammon tournaments, either the Irish Open or the British Open; but what I knew of him, I liked.

Sadly Dave passed away at his home in Dublin on Tuesday morning; and with his passing goes a true gentleman; not unlike Gerry Smith. Dave was always seen wearing a collar and tie; the picture above was taken at the 2000 Irish Open when he was part of the winners of the Team Event.

Everyone has heard the expression, the quiet Irishman, but few of us know its origin - but it matters not for it could have been used to describe Dave himself. To me he was always quiet and calm, softly spoken and always considerate.

A formidable backgammon player who was always on the lookout for a good match and a bit of action. A stalwart of the Dublin BG Club he'll be missed by his many friends - both in Eire and across here in the UK.

Goodbye, Dave. I'll miss your cheery smile and quiet wit. Have a game or two with Gerry . . . and recreate your match with him at the 2000 British Open.

Brian Lever
Very sorry to hear of Dave’s death; he was indeed a very sporting gentleman, with a quiet wit.

I played against him a few times, most recently in the 2004 Irish Open. I remember the match because it was our final one of the 6 on the Saturday, and the loser would go into the play-offs for the last 16 on the Sunday.

There was a lively debate after, with various spectators airing their views over a play Dave had made (which probably lost him the match), so much so that it delayed the play-offs. But we were having a good laugh, and that’s what I’ll remember.

Stuart Mann

I   was very sad to hear of Dave's death.

I got to know Dave quite well, through my many trips to play in the Irish Open. He struck me as a really lovely man, and I remember having several tough matches with him. More than that, though, I can picture him in the bar at Wynns, with a pint of Guinness in his hand and a smile on his face.

I'll drink a Guinness tonight and think of the many laughs we shared.

I and many others will miss him.

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Photo courtesy of David Startin		Photo courtesy of Martin Chandler

Grahame Powell

6 January 1957

10 July, 2007

Michael Crane

Grahame never took anything seriously; and that included life. He took it by the scruff of its neck, French-kissed it, his tongue deep down its throat, and then he cast it aside and began living it. Thus he started on a binge of drugs, alcohol and, when he was lucky enough to get some, sex! Is it any wonder he died so young? I mean, whose body could take such punishment and survive? Did he care? No way! He not only burnt the candle at both ends, he burnt it in the middle, too.

I first met Grahame in the late 80s when we were both members of the National Backgammon Players Society (NBPS). The year he won the UK title (it's so long ago now I don't even remember when it was) he was the only player to beat me . . . and he got the title and I got bugger all! When I formed Biba, Grahame was one of the first to 'defect' from the NBPS (even though he was told he'd be barred from the NBPS) and join Biba on 5 March, 1990; and he remained a member until he died. He won the 1991, County Cups tournament; another event where the only one to beat me was him! But I think his greatest win was the 2003, Irish Open. He enjoyed this victory and was most proud of it.

When he was first diagnosed with an inoperable cancer (or as Grahame put it, "an 'orrible" cancer) he rang me and we talked for ages. He told me he was very disappointed to be dying of cancer - it had always been his ambition to die of alcohol poisoning! Mind you, he told me he was going to work on attaining his ambition. When he first went to see the specialist (or #@%& as he so eloquently put it!), he was told he had just seven weeks to live. On his next visit it rose to six months; and on a later visit, 18 months. "I'm going back tomorrow," he told me, "so that I can have three years!"

Sadly, the six month estimate proved the closer of the lot.

But, back to his ambition: Near where he lived there are three pubs down the Portobello Road, and Grahame planned to go in one telling the landlord he only had three months to live; after which he could enjoy a good few "sympathy pints". After three months he'd go to the second pub and tell the landlord he only had three months to live . . . Sadly I don't think he made it to the second pub; but I bet he had a bloody good try.

Finally. I do hope he's made adequate provision for Harvey. I'd hate to think the poor soul is left alone and neglected. He loved that rabbit.

NB: If you have something you'd like to say about Grahame, email it here.

Tributes

Nicky Check - My friend, Mad Dog Grahame

I first met Grahame around 1994. I was new to the game and Grahame quickly  showed me all his good qualities, how to play well, but more important how to use backgammon as a way to meet a wide variety of people, have a laugh and drink loads of alchohol. I quicky learnt from him and thank him.  

Over the years Grahame continued to come to tournaments with me, and I was amazed how quickly he took to new people, making friends. I fondly remember the days back at the George in Solihull where the ' Ealing ' crew would be the first at dinner and the last to leave, all drunk, then Grahame would start on the whisky chasers.  

He was a great ambassador for the game - running for a long time the Ealing Backgamon Club on Sundays with his 8-man knockout tournaments. Grahame made everyone welcome. A lot of people passed through Ealing in those days.  

Grahame faced his illness with a lot of strength and dignity, fighting it to the end. I will miss him, going to tournaments with him, shouting and singing in my car, insulting everyone he could. The sad thing was, he was more together in the last year than ever since I first  knew him.  

Take care Mad Dog

Chiva K. Tafazzoli

I sadly never had the opportunity to meet Grahame personally, but I sure would have liked to be around such a personality.  It is with deep regret and sorrow that I learned about him entering his next life and I wish him to do longer and better there...   Any loss of a player is a loss for the backgammon community. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace now since he was restless in life.

Jason Champion

I was very sad to hear of Grahame's passing, in a game full of characters he truly was a one of a kind. Always a tough opponent and great fun to share a drink with. Will miss you Grahame.

Marco Fornasir

I'm very sorry for that. I didn't know Grahame personally but I'm sorry when a Backgammon Players pass away. Please, give to the family my condolance.

Ric Gerace

The world is a lesser place when it loses one of its mad rabbit lovers. Sorry for your loss, Michael. Sounds like a great funeral.

Nigel Merrigan

I have fond memories of Grahame and his colourful character.  The first of which, goes way back to 1990 at a  Biba event held at the George Hotel (what a great venue that was). I was playing a certain Miss Bett.  Grahame got wind of it and said to me 'If you get beat I am going to spread the news to everyone'.   A few rolls later I found myself 8-0 down. The pressure was on. Luckily I got out of jail.   Over the years we struck up a friendship that can only be described as camaraderie whenever we met.  There were never tears, only laughter. Making you laugh was his personal signature on life and this is how I will remember Grahame most of all.   I'll miss the tears of laughter.

Christy Confrey

I got a link to this site and read the fine comments from some of your members about our mutual friend Grahame Powell who recently passed away.

Although I did enter the British Backgammon championships with Grahame sometime in the mid eighties, when we shared a flat together in London, it was not through backgammon that I met him. I met him about 1980 in Greece and from then until about 1988 we were a group who used to spend our summers there. Months on end pissed as farts until we couldn't take it anymore. Then go home around November and dry out for a few months. After that it was back to the "rock" as we referred to the island of Ios, where we spent most of our time. We did play a lot of backgammon there, for example during a period in about 1986 myself and Grahame rented a house together. We took ourselves down to the square every morning where we'd meet up with others for "breakfast"... breakfast consisted of a backgammon session during which we went through the cocktail list... we usually ended up going through it again backwards after doing it from the beginning.

Anyway, some of us have always kept in touch, including Grahame. Although anyone who has ever got a handwritten letter from Grahame will understand how difficult that was :-) The appearance of email made that much easier and just last year we were on our way to having a 25 year anniversary get together, even though it would've been 26 years :-). Because of commitments we couldn't all get together at the same time so nothing became of it.

Four of us booked tickets last month to come and see Grahame next month, August, but we are too late as you know. None of us realised really how bad he was. Although it seems he was fine and then suddenly it all went very quick. Anyway, we have decided to do it anyway. We will be in London, we're coming from Sweden, Germany and Scotland, on the 24th of August until the 27th. We'll meet up with some of Grahame's friends there who we're in contact with and have a little rememberance ceremony for him and celebrate his life... then go on a bender where I imagine we'll all be telling stories of Grahame's escapades... of which there are many :-) Of course everyone who wants to be there is very welcome. Just email me on christy.confrey@comhem.se

He's going to be missed.

Christy Confrey, and on behalf of: Andy Towers, Mike Dunz, Mark Donaldson + many many more of Grahame's old travelling mates.

Rosey Bensley (and Slatts)

First of all I would like to say a few words to Grahame from Slatts “ If ya kinny ya kenny ya ken!”.  The two of them spent many an hour at my house playing backgammon, saying stupid things to each other, smoking a lot, reminiscing about music, telling jokes and generally being loud and annoying me!! Slatts is in Thailand and cannot be at the funeral but I am sure he will be there in spirit.

I will remember Grahame most fondly for the time we spent in Solihull when playing BG at the George. We went out and had lunch together and consoled each other over the fact that we both had bad ankles, told each other stories about our previous lives and I do believe Grahame managed not to swear once! You see he was just a sweety at heart!

RIP Grahame.

Andy Towers
I first met Grahame on his beloved island, Ios in the summer of 1984 or '85. He was always known to his friends from the Ios days as 'backgammon' - Grahame always had his board with him. I had some long backgammon sessions with him and if you were lucky he might do a snake dance for you! Slowly the Ios crowd broke up after seeing each other for 8 or 9 summers on the island. I stayed in contact with Grahame and came once or twice to London every year to visit him. He was very sharp witted, had a vast knowledge of music, and could play backgammon at the highest level when he put his mind to it. May he rest in peace.

Liz Perry
On behalf of all of the Irish players, I'd like to express our sorrow on the untimely death of the 2003 Irish Backgammon Champion, Grahame Powell. He was always welcome here and always made us feel welcome when we came to the UK.

Mike Dunz (Mad-Mike)
I first met Grahame in 1982 on "his" beloved island Ios, Greece! We were a big group of friends (such they are: Animal-Andy, Metaxa-Mark,Tight-Tony, Christy Confrey, Shakin' Steve, Pisshead-Paul, Jenny, Dirthy-Ratty, Rubber-John, Scottie and many more). Ever since we were friends!

I love to remember all those backgammon games with him, and the great time we spent together. In the beginning he always liked to play me for money! I explained to him, that I don't play friends for money. Then he liked to play me for breakfast and drinks. Useless to say, that I mostly won. Then, later on, he had a lot of practise and became better and better. I can't think when I won the last time against him! Just had no chance!

Many times he sent me letters and music-tapes (especially Blues) over to Germany! Grahame, my old friend, I miss you and will always remember you! May you rest in peace. All the best, wherever you are now!