Graham Hollingsworth (1 Apr 1952 - 21 Jan 2024)

Just returning from holiday I am saddened to hear of Graham's death. My friendship with Graham started at York Tech, Clifford Street in 1967. We had great times together over the following years. I remember him buying his first guitar from Bulmers secondhand shop and the huge amount of practice he put in to master it. Nights at the Black Swan folk club where he started performing. I
was very envious of his job at Foster' wine merchants where his boss regularly opened bottles for him to try. Him on stage at the York festival dressed as a Roman soldier when the horse stood on his toe removing his toenail. Nights out at the Hypnotique night club where his brother Chris worked and two 18 to 30 holidays in Spain. I also recall him coming back to York and telling me about a girl in Harlow who fancied him because of his Yorkshire accent. Well done Cath. Good choice. Happy days with lots of drinking, dancing, singing and laughing. Thank you Graham.

On behalf of all the patients and staff at St Leonard's Hospice thank you for kindly choosing to donate to the Hospice, in memory of Graham. We are forever grateful for the generosity that is shown to us, without which the work of the Hospice would not be possible. Thank you for honouring the memory of Graham in such a thoughtful manner and in turn, helping us to continue caring for others.
With warmest regards,
Amanda
In Memory Fundraiser St Leonard’s Hospice

I just found out today that Graham has passed away, I am so sad, as he was a kind and caring colleague for many years at York College, and he seemed so young at heart. As with so many others, he enthralled me with many varied stories. Being a fellow X-Trail driver at the time, we often compared notes, and observations of the engineering, and he described a journey across Europe to an Italian destination. Explaining his use of 'cruise control', setting the speed to 90mph (on the continent of course), sitting back and relaxing, and arriving in Italy in 'no time at all'. Also, a remarkable and animated physical demonstration in the staff car park, of an amazing tow-ball clamping bicycle carrier, that had been acquired for his sons. We were puzzled, as somehow it seemed to defy gravity? He encouraged us to try Pilates, and yet again it got physical, he encouraged us to 'time' how long he could hold his leg out horizontally, it was an astonishing achievement. The leg was thrust out and held aloft for around 3 minutes, a feat hardly any athlete half his age could manage. His favourite discussions were about his beloved family and a building restoration, I will miss all of those great conversations and his wonderful warmth of character, a true Briton.

Graham Hollingsworth was one of life’s real Gentlemen. He was taken long before his time, however, his contribution to the welfare of his family, friends and colleagues was boundless. We will remember him always.

Margaret had been a close friend of both Catherine and Graham long before Trevor was invited to be ‘vetted’ by them after proposing marriage to Margaret.
The foursome became close friends and enjoyed many a ‘fluid’ evening laughing and socialising together. Graham and Catherine being the most convivial hosts, excellent food, wine and conversation was assured.
Graham will always be remembered for his steadfast skiing skills. During a ski trip to Italy in 1984, escorting the pupils of Red House School, Graham acted as ‘tail-end Charlie’ during the boys only ski days. As the young chaps fell by the wayside during difficult descents, Graham was often seen skiing downhill with several small boys cocooned between his legs. The grin on his face was only matched by those boys who he had scooped up on his way down.
We are absolutely certain that one of Graham’s regrets would have been that his grandchildren will never benefit from his warmth, strength and caring nature.
Graham, one of life’s greatest gentlemen.

I have worked with Graham for a very long time (well over 20 years), we worked and sat together for most of those years. He was a very kind and caring man who I valued as a very close friend. I will miss he so much. May he rest in peace.

I started working with Graham at York College back in 2010 and continued to do so until his retirement. He was always helpful and friendly and a great colleague. I have fond memories of these times working with Graham; the laughs in the staff room, stories from his wine merchant days, or the adventures we had when on college trips, thank you for these Graham. You were missed when you retired, and you are missed even more now.

Graham and I started work at York College at a similar time (2002) and I worked with him until his retirement. He was always good fun and great to work with, but we knew him well as a person rather than just a colleague. We all have fond memories and lots of good times to look back on. Will miss you Graham.

I first met Graham when I attended my interview at York College in August 2002. I then had the pleasure of working alongside him for 17 years. Always cheerful, always professional, always good humoured. We missed him when he retired, and we’ll miss him even more now. I shall raise a glass of Rioja to you Mr H.