Chris Whalley - A Grand Goodbye
On Monday 15th July 2023 we sadly bade farewell to another of our loved sons.
But what a send-off. It was estimated that 750 or more came to the Club to say goodbye and toast what was an interesting and varied life. The crowd (well it was too big to call a congregation) was well attended by everyone who played a part in Chris' life, including a colourful contingent from Upper Clapton RFC. Hosted by Adrian Taylor with eulogies from brother David and son Rob, the ceremony was relaxed, interesting, funny and full of warmth. Just like the man they honoured. Readings by Charles Mortimer, George Ashworth, Katie Ashworth and son-in-law Declan McGregor completed the service, before we were closed out by Mick Jagger and David Bowie and their rendition of Dancing in the Street.
Below we reproduce Rob's words, which pick-up Chris' life from the time he came to Salisbury.
Good afternoon. I know most people in the tent today. However, for those of you who do not know me, I am Chris Whalley’s son – Rob Whalley.
Thank you David for your kind words about my dad. I am going to pick up the story and Dad’s life in Salisbury. Mum and Dad had a brief time up north in Middleton in Teesdale but Salisbury was definitely where Dad called home.
Thank you for all of the support, gifts, flowers and food
Before I continue the story, I must pause and thank all of the people who have showered my family with love, sympathy, flowers and wonderful stories about dad, which have given us all enormous strength since his passing. All of your support has really touched us all and we will never forget the generosity you have all shown.
There are some common themes that we have all noticed in the kind messages which have been received from all around the world. Kind, generous, humble, naughty, loyal, fun, supportive and a constant presence in so many people’s lives.
Dad was the driving force behind so many successful initiatives, teams, individuals and events. But he was not a person who liked to take the credit or applause. His quiet assertiveness and being the driving force from the background was - I think - one of his greatest skills. This meant that Dad always operated in a team wherever he could, meaning that the team could be celebrated, and he could avoid being the centre of attention. It is only now, when he is unable to stop us, that I can focus wholly on Dad and the many people he has influenced in his time on this earth.
Why did Chris Whalley and his family move to Salisbury.
Mum and Dad were living in Middleton in Teesdale up in County Durham in 1984 when Dad got wind of an assistant resident agent position that was coming up on “Longford Estate”, down South. He applied and in the interview, Dad convinced the Radnor family that he was the right person for the job! He then spent the next 29 years working for the Radnor family. This is an exceptional length of time to be in any job.
When we arrived into Charlton Manor Farm in December 1984, we were greeted by the Ashworth clan including Ian, Alison, George, Katy and of course Nipper the dog. At the time we had no idea the Ashworth’s would become such an integral part of our lives for the next 39 years, and counting. Mum and Dad eagerly engaged in all things Charlton All Saints and set up the Bad Behavior Club (BBC) as inaugural members. We as kids grew up under the watchful eye of many parents in Charlton All Saints and I know that Dad was a father figure to more than just Laura and I in the village.
The BBC involved numerous annual village events and regular societies and the most memorable of these included; annual fireworks, progressive dinners, camping trips and new years eve nights that always ended up with after parties which became more and more inclusive as the children grew older. Now I am reliably informed that Dad was the instigator and driving force behind of many of these hugely memorable events.
Turning to Dad’s career at Longford. He genuinely loved his work. He lived and breathed the estate including all the people who lived and worked there. I don’t know how many hours dad was contracted to work in a week. I don’t think he knew, or if he cared. The only time Dad wasn’t looking out for the estate or its community, was when he was on holiday or on the rugby field.
Dad surrounded himself on Longford Estate with a wonderful team of professionals who supported him with the management of the estate, including land and property in London and Folkstone.
The local team included John Williams on the fish farm, Roger Kent on the farms, Robert Underhill in the woods and Graham Harwood as Clerk of Works. This team was there together until they all retired. Professional respect soon turned into friendship and this friendship has endured well beyond the end of their careers. So much so that I recently found in Dad’s diary an event for July this year to get the Longford team back together in the Radnor. He always, made the effort into keeping a group together, when he truly enjoyed their company and held them in high regard.
Dad’s home was farming and he loved working with all the members of the farm team over the years. As kids we were often taken up to see the combines by Dad on a summer evening, when they were just about to start the evening shift so Dad could bring them their evening refreshments and catch up on how the day has gone. Simple and personal gestures these were Dad’s trademark. It was always about the personal touch to Dad.
The other supporting team that Dad assembled was a group of property professionals who managed and developed land owned by the Estate. This team including Charles Evans, William Leaf, Ian Ashworth, Martyn Smith and latterly even his daughter in law Alison.
Dad brought this team together on a quarterly basis to report to the Trustees of the estate. Charles Evans was always invited to Charlton Manor Farm to stay the night before the trustees meeting. Dad never missed an opportunity for bonding between his team mates and colleagues. Over the top, he would take Charles either for sun downers at Clearbury or over the fields to the Radnor for an evening tipple or two. These are Charles’s favourite memories of my father. He was in his element.
Now when I mention “Over the Top”, I think most people who stayed at Charlton Manor Farm will think you know what this means. However, it does mean a lot of different things to different people. For example, to me it meant my first driving lesson age 14 - when bringing my father and godfather back home from the Radnor arms. To others it meant going on a Wiltshire countryside and safari adventure, looking for antelope or nocturnal animals after dark. If you ask the kids from Charlton village it meant a bumpy ride in constant search for the mystery bump, if you ask Nick Powell it means the need for a stiff drink and new underwear! Dad always enjoyed showing his guests and friends around the Longford estate which he believed was one of the most beautiful parts of English countryside.
The Radnor Arms was Dads spiritual home outside of Charlton Manor Farm and latterly the Rickyard. He has seen the comings and going of many landlord of which you will not be surprised were all his friends. Landlords including Richard & Leslie Penny and latterly their daughter Lou, have all added their own stamp, but always under the watchful eye of Chris Whalley. I am sure Dad was instrumental in making the classic excuse, for visiting the local pub, become a reality. Every man in the surrounding area of Nunton can genuinely say, they are going to pick up a pint of milk from the Radnor Arms. Genius!!! Thankyou Little Whal.
Dad and Mum were always torn about their move from Charlton All Saints, to Alderbury, as they were leaving a chapter of their lives behind. They should never have been worried!! On moving to Alderbury they got stuck into meeting another group of friends on Silver Street. I am sure the residents of Silver Street have been brought closer together, by Dads insatiable desire to create a team that is greater than its sum of individual parts. However, as always Mum and Dad have continued to remain in close contact with their old friends. They have been going on holiday with members of the BBC regularly, since leaving the village and are going on holiday with the Downies and the Ashworth’s in September to one of Dads favorite places on the planet – Daymer Bay in Cornwall. This year I am sure you will take the walk, to the Rock Inn for a couple of pints of Doom Bar in my Dads memory. This has always been, and always will be a very special place to our family. Annual holidays of relaxed coastal walks, surf, bbq’s and the daily walk up Brae Hill, which is affectionately known as ‘Grandpa’s Mountain’ by the grandchildren.
Dad was a creature of habit, he went on holiday to Cornwall every year for over 30 years. He was also a constant. A constant in many peoples lives and in his community. He used his position and significant network of friends to enhance the lives of others where ever he lived and played. Dad always believed in his friends even if they did not believe in themselves. Where he could, he gave them the belief and often the leg up they needed, to succeed and flourish. Sometimes what he believed to be a small act of kindness was actually hugely significant to whoever was the recipient. I know this is the case with many people in this room, as you have told me so, while preparing this eulogy. You know who you are.
Now a brief interlude from me. I am going to hand over to George Ashworth to read a passage about Chrissy Whal, from the local community.
Friendship
My father was a people person first and foremost. It didn’t matter if he was at work or socializing in the community or at a club. Whatever he did, wherever he did it, he made friends with his warmth, passion, and love of being with people. He was friends with an eclectic mix of people from all walks of life. And I will do my best to mention as many of these friends as possible and remind us all why you and so many people are here today.
There are many people who transcended Dads passions including work and play. Dad even housed his rugby friends in estate cottages so they were closer to pop in and say hi. I think Don Parsons thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Park and Dad enjoyed the pit stop on the way home.
Nick Powell was a nieighbour to Dad and was the Sheppard on the estate wen Dad arrived. Dad and Nick became close friends over a shared loveof rugby and farming. Nick realized quickly that the price for getting a lift to pick up his car from the rugby club on a Sunday morning was to be roped into Dads world as a mini rugby coach. Nick supported Dad in his quest to develop the next generation of budding rugby stars. This included taking “Stumpies All Stars” (The U14 Salisbury RFC mini rugby team) on tour to Jersey. It was only after we left minis that we realized that they winged coaching on hang overs every Sunday and how he got away with taking away a group of 13 and 14 year old’s to Jersey without parental supervision I still don’t know!!!
Many of Stumpies All Stars have been in touch with me telling me how Dad positively influenced their childhoods and how grateful they are. This ability to influence other people was a real talent of Dad. He had a way of being able to communicate with younger generations and through shared interest managed to influence and inspire these young men to reach their potential.
My favorite success story was about a young South African lad who came and helped out at the Cathedral School in Salisbury. Dad knew Shane Newton was arriving before he even got here and on his arrival, whisked him up to the Rugby club to be integrated into Salisbury life. Shane became a regular visitor to Charlton Manor Farm and then got introduced to our other family friends including Harry Blight who has 3 delightful daughters. Shane thought one was particularly delightful and through Dads connections they are now married with 2 great kids and a family that the Whalley’s all love dearly. Don’t get me wrong. Dad was no Cilla Black. He just had an insatiable desire to have fun with as many people as possible. This included connecting people. If they happen to fall in love with each other this is their good fortune.
Dad was diligent in keeping groups of people together, who he enjoyed being with. This is no more evident than with the 72 club. They are a group of 15 friends who Dad loved from his time at Cirencester Agricultural College. 1972 being the year they all graduated. For those of you who are sharp at maths have realized that they have been celebrating graduation for over 50 years now. They celebrated their 50th anniversary last year in Salisbury and it was only a matter of weeks ago that they were all back in Cirencester reliving their youth together again. I think all of the group will testify that Dad has been the glue between them all for all of these years. He has kept them all together and been the leader of the pack. So many of the 72 club have been in touch with me after Dads passing. He obviously meant so much to you all and it is great to have so many of you here today.
Rugby
Rugby was a huge part of Dad’s life. He was brought up on it at Kings School Canterbury and then refined his skills as David mentioned at Upper Clapton RFC. The band of brothers at Upper Clapton were my father’s mentors in his early years. I have only even had fun with members of Upper Clapton. My favourite memories are of supporting the Lions with Dad and members of Upper Clapton rugby club including, my Godpa Tuck and David Durrell. These are some of the most influential men in my live and I miss you all. It’s a great honour to have a contingent of Upper Clapton here today. Compulsory blazers appreciated gents.
I have only heard some stories about my fathers time there and seen a few pictures from a time when social media was not with us and what went on in Upper Clapton stayed in Upper Clapton. Unless it was written down in a book by Jilly Cooper! Yes the antics and high jinx of Upper Clapton were so memorable that Jilly Cooper needed to capture these memories in her book which I have left open on the right page on the table of Dads memorabilia.
Dad had captained all of his rugby clubs since Kings College including Upper Clapton, Mowden Park, and Beverly until he arrived in Salisbury where he turned up to training and met a younger fitter version of himself in the form of Richard Lloyd! It took Dad a while to realise that the first phase of his rugby career was over and playing first team rugby was no longer his role in a club. I strongly believe that this transition from 1XV player to club man was a defining moment in my Dad’s life. He realized that he could enjoy a rugby club more by being part of the club instead of just playing in the first team. He took on the role of 3rd team captain which was seen as a thankless task. The best players were in the 1st and 2nd XV and there was this team called the Stones led by John Mussel. Needless to say the fortunes of he 3rd team turned around under Dads captaincy.
I don’t think anyone will be surprised to know that Dad played rugby well into his 40s despite being encouraged by colleagues, friends and family to hang up his boots several years earlier. The encouragement was a red rag to a bull and he continued on, eventually hanging up his boots in 1994. He couldn’t play for the Ladies, but he played against them, and has been a huge supporter of their team for his whole time at Salisbury RFC. I have taken the picture of dads trade mark diving pass from the base of the scrum or ruck, from the wall of the rugby club and put it on display for everyone. This will remind us of what rugby was like when Dad played. Yes, this picture was taken in his retirement year, when he was 44!!!!! I have also found another picture of the dive passing style just so you all realise that this was not a one off, yes he was a prolific dive passer of the ball, and yes this is the knackering way of being scrum half!!!!! So I have been told!
Dad brought many initiatives to the rugby club on and off the field. The greatest heist of them all, had to be a fund raising event that involved a pub crawl around 20 pubs consuming half a pint of beer in every one. I still to this day do not know how Dad managed to get people to sponsor him to drink beer in twenty pubs with a group of his rugby chums!!!! Seriously impressive.
Dad was a player for a long time at Salisbury Rugby Club and it was only natural that he transitioned easily into the administrative role in the club and became one of the dedicated supporters that turn up, week in week out, to cheer on whatever team was playing. Dad became the chairman of selectors and then president, and this allowed him to remain part of the rugby club, which is so special to him. He liked to make sure the club was being run well, but he liked being closer to the players more. He loved it, when there was an opportunity to sponsor a player and when he got the opportunity to sponsor Josh Green, he jumped at it. Little did Josh know that he was going to get caught up in Dad’s world. Josh is now a trustee of the Spitfire trust that dad created in retirement. Dad was very proud of you Josh and really enjoyed your company and input into his latest adventure. Thankyou Josh for being there then and now.
Retirement
On retirement, Dad struggled not being at the center of the community and it took him some time to adjust to not working on Longford Estate. He could have caught up with friends, travelled a bit and started writing his memoirs!! None of these were for Dad! His drive to be part of the community, was still burning bright. He was still actively involved in the Rugby Club, recruiting players from every corner of Wiltshire he visited. He had also become a trustee of the Joseph Landon foundation, to support a young Salisbury rugby player who had a terrible accident. Dad knew he needed to support Joe and he threw the full might of his considerable will power into helping Joe and the family. At the same time as Joe had his terrible cycling accident, another former member of the Salisbury rugby family, had a life changing accident, while playing rugby for Wimbledon rugby club. Dad wanted to give as much as he could to the families but he couldn’t support them on his own. He needed to raise the profile of their cause and raise money to support the trust and foundation. This was the genesis of Whals Walk, where Dad walked from Lands End, back to Salisbury rugby club over 3 weeks, covering 320 miles and raising over £10k for Joseph Langdon and Jack Fishwick. I have looked back over the facebook site to remind me of a time when I think Dad was most alive. He was in his element helping others and bringing together his friends and family to walk the long way home. Once again it was a huge team effort. Charles Evans did mention the embarrassment he felt, when two chartered surveyors struggled greatly to navigate their way to find each other along well-documented OS trails!! Even if this was on the wilds of Dartmoor! I am very pleased Dad had support with him most days. Dad was always energized by the company of others and always handed them the map for the duration of the days walk!!
Please take a look at the album of Whals Walk I, to remind yourself of his adventures.
After the highs of Whals Walk, the reality of retirement hit home and Dad now needed to settle down into a routine of rugby club management and what seemed like any excuse he could, to bring a group together, for an activity followed by sociable debrief. These groups included; The Old Rumblers (who I had the privilege of meeting the other day for lunch after their last walk), the Old mens pilates group, the mens Alzheimer’s group, the Steak and Kidney pudding club and the Harnham Water Meadows trust. I am sure there are others, and if I have missed other groups out then please let me know.
Dad never gave up his love of rugby but he did slow down a little and didn’t enjoy the big England match day experiences as much. He did start to enjoy club rugby more and a good day at Lords instead. Dad was a regular at Lords with Simon Whalley’s group of cricket lovers including; the Hindes, Sextons and Shipseys. His most recent trip to Lords was immortalised by a great photo bombs, where Dad was seen with both thumbs up in the background of a photo of Tuffers, commentating on Test Match Special behind the Mound Stand. You can find the photo here today.
I did managed to get him to Twickers one last time in 2022 to watch the Harlequins Summer Big Bash against Gloucester. This was a special day for our family, as three generations of Whalleys went up and enjoyed a day at the Home of Rugby. We were settling into our seats right on the halfway line, trying to ignore Craig David, when we heard a familiar voice shouting down at us. “Oohh Whoop – Whalley is that you?” We had been spotted by my best man Matthew Monahan from up in a box just behind our seats. Dad’s distinctive shock of white hair had given us away in a crown of 40,000 people. We all got invited up to join Phil Bennet Brittons box for the afternoon. Phil had been to several of our summer BBQs at Charlton Manor Farm, and he relished the opportunity to pay back my Dad’s hospitality. On the way back home, Dad confessed his slight irritation that he had been going to Twickenham for 50 years now and this was the first time he had experienced hospitality in a box. However, my two boys; Freddie and Sam, who were on their first outing to Twickers, do not know any different! They now expect to be treated like this every time they go to visit the home of rugby. Lucky Boys.
The Spitfire
I can’t stand here today and not mention the Spitfire! Dad first heard about the secret spitfire’s when he went to a Steak and Kidney pudding Club event, showing the film of the Secret Spitfires and their assembly in Salisbury next to the rugby club. He was intrigued by the story and got talking to Norman Parker, who was a man who lived and breathed spitfires. Dad then went on to organise another showing of the Secret Spitfires at SRFC. As part of the presentation, replica spitfires were discussed and Dad mentioned that it would be amazing to build a life size memorial to the building of the secret spitfires at Salisbury Rugby Club. I think that a common statement that night was "you'll never be able to get that done. How would you raise enough money to build a spitfire memorial!!” Now, many of you know how Dad loved a challenge. There then followed an enormous effort and unwavering will power by Dad to set up a trust, beg borrowing and steel, crowd funding, make appearances on radio, sponsored events including Whals Walk II and a huge fanfare of an opening ceremony including the fly by of an actual spitfire. We now have a lasting memorial to the secret spitfires at Salisbury Rugby Club thanks largely to my fathers efforts.
If you were a careful observer you would see every now and again a small white haired old man, popping up with garden gloves and a trowel to weed the flowers surrounding the spitfire. This of course was just like the milk at the Radnor Arms! It was Dads excuse to come and have a pint with Vinny at the club. Thankyou Vinny for all of your help in making today happen. You and your team are brilliant and our family really appreciate what you have done for us today.
Family and Mum and her supporting role.
It isn’t going to surprise you that dad’s commitment to his friends, work colleagues, teammates was echoed in his family life. His commitment, support and love for his family was always unwavering. You never got an open display of love and affection. But if you looked carefully you got a loving sideways glance, a wink and always a big hug.
We have special memories that we remember fondly including Dad’s often over exuberant supporting style, at sporting events. An example was at a mini marathon in Downton when Laura was competing at primary school. He had allowed the mini marathon to be held on Longford Estate, so he had the advantage on every other parent supporting, by knowing how to get to the best vantage points. Dad planned his route using all the shortcuts and popped out of multiple bushes along the route allowing him to be incredibly vocal in his support. I am not sure if Laura ran faster because of his support or just to try and get away from him. I am certain that Dad was on a mission to make sure that Laura did the best she could, and he was going to be there to support every step of the way.
I wasn’t allowed to miss out on his unique supporting style. I clearly remember running the first leg of the 4x100m relay at the area sports. I was put under more pressure as I was in the outside lane 8 and I didn’t have anyone to aim for. However, I was a little confused as when I got into my stride I was no longer in the outside lane (lane 8) and I had another runner along side me! This wasn’t just any runner it was my own personal cheer squad for the whole leg. It really doesn’t take that long to run 100m, but it did seem to take a lot longer than normal that day. It took me a long time to get over the embarrassment of that day as well, but I look back fondly now with only a small cringe!!!!
Dad’s favourite place to influence and mentor his kids (and latterly, grandchildren) was when he had our undivided attention on holiday, every year in Cornwall. We were taught many life skills that have stuck with me and have guided me through life. Skills including how to play the best pub games, such as round the clock darts and spoof, that a gambling debt is a debt of honor, gloating is an ugly reaction and should be punished, punishments were to be taken without fuss or whining, a good game is a fast game, what goes on tour stays on tour and Dad’s favorite piece of advice “Whatever happens, don’t get caught”. Critical skills and advice that Dad ensured was passed down from his generation to the next.
My father didn’t really know how to grow up. I’m positive that he idolised and wanted to be like Peter Pan. This was obvious when Laura and I were a little older and were venturing out and sampling some of the night life that Salisbury had to offer. There’s one incident outside the Chapter House, where Laura and several of her girlie mates were enjoying a sociable drink when dad rocked up outside the expansive front windows of the pub on castle street and proceeded to give a little boogie while daddy cool by Boney M was playing on the music system. Where most teenage girls would have died of embarrassment, Laura was different, Dad was different. Dad was invited in and join the girls for a couple drinks and all the girls knew Dad as Daddy Cool after that night.
He sometimes joined both Laura and myself in the chapel nightclub. What always intrigued me was not the fact that he was there but more his complete disregard for any sort of dress code, and his ability to flaunt this dress code so easily!!! I think he knew most bouncers in town as he either coached them rugby or played rugby with them. This meant that dad and his ever-present moccasins could even get into late night venues such as the Chapel.
Growing up, there were always parties at Charlton Manor Farm and latterly at the Rickyard. Dad loved a party and where he had the house for it, he threw some great ones. All of them under Shipsey’s canvas. Thank you to Tim and the Shipseys crew for today. Our own wedding, Laura and Decky’s and Michael and Jen Sworders wedding were also celebrated in the walled garden at Charlton Manor Farm. Dad didn’t really mind what the event was as long as he could be invited and join in with our friends and family. I know from all the messages I have receive that his hospitality and infectious desire for fun was enjoyed and loved by all who attended.
I didn’t see Dad cry that often. I do remember that he definitely well up when Alison and I told him he was going to be a grandfather for the first time. Since then, he has now collected 4 grand children who he is incredibly proud of. Freddie, Zoe, Sam and Sophie are all here to day to celebrate their wonderful and supportive Grandpa. All of them have great memories of grandpa and guess what, he wasn’t just Daddy Cool. They all loved opening up to him and Freddie told us that he felt he could tell him anything. He will always be remembered by the grandchildren for Brae Hill at Daymer Bay. This will always be known as Grandpa’s Mountain to our family. Grandpa’s spirit will live on through his children and grand children.
Laura and I have always had a mother and father who have inspired us to succeed and I know that we both bring the enthusiasm, lessons and love from Mum and Dad into our own families and community. Dad we promise to continue living our lives as you taught us, …….. and hopefully, never get caught!!
Now to mum. There is a phrase which all of you will know that is true about my mother and father’s relationship. “Behind every great man is a great woman.” Where Dad, was the agent, captain, trustee, chairman, president there was always a constant guiding and supportive mind behind all of his achievements. This constant was his wife of over 45 years, Lindsey Whalley. She was the quarter master, drill sergeant and medical officer that ensured that dad could be the best he could every day. What you didn’t see was that behind closed doors was a relationship that was tight, and Dad relied on Mum to continuously challenge, inspire and act as his conscience. I’m sure that dad would have been the first to say that all of his achievements were only possible due to the love and support and patience, and possibly earplugs of my mum. Dad was definitely the figurehead of the CRWs, but the real strength lay in the team of Chris and Lindsey Whalley. Of course it did. It is always about the team with my father!
Dad knew this and to remind himself every day he had a plaque made and installed in the bar. Mum asked me to include this in my memories of Dad Mum this is for you:
“I think women are foolish to pretend they are equal to men. They are far superior and always have been. Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she will give you a baby. If you give her a house, she will give you a home. If you give her groceries, she will give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she will give you her heart. She multiples and enlarges whatever is given to her. So if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit!”
By William Golding
My father’s final wishes
I don’t think it will surprise any of you that dad has organised his own funeral and memorial. We have very strict instructions about where to hold the memorial and what to do with his ashes. There are multiple locations to spread his ashes including at the Rickyard, Clearbury, and Grandpas Mountain. We will raise a glass and toast him at every location. I think we owe it to him to continue the party in his name, in his favorite places. What’s maybe most fitting is that the last location his ashes will be spread is in the continent where he was born. We will take an urn of Dads ashes and spread it in the Timbervarti on Harry Blight’s farm. I know that some from South Africa have not been able to make it and I hope you can all hear ok and come together for your own memorial. Please have a competitive brai and raise a castle larger under the African sun for Chris Whalley today. Fear not, Dad will make his final trip over to Africa and hopefully bring a strong contingent of the 72 club with him. That may not be this year but sometime soon.
I look out on this congregation, and I see probably the biggest accolade to my father, which is all of you gathered here today. Dad will be looking over us today with a distinguished group of naughty old men who he dearly loved, including but definitely not limited to; David Durell, Colin Tucker and Garth Parsons. What is always the greatest shame is that this gathering of Dad’s friends and family has only occurred in his absence. But what a gathering of friends and family this is. What an honor this is to see him off with you today. Chris Whalley may have been known to you all, but he was known as many different names. So to end I must say goodbye to; Chris Whalley, Little Whal, Shag, Uncle Chrissy, Stumpy, John, Daddy Cool, Grandpa, Dad, minor man…. You have left a huge hole in our lives and you will be missed by us all.
Thankyou.
