Graham was at the school from 1952-1959 and will be sadly missed by his friends, family and all who knew him at the School.

We are conscious that many people from this time at school may not be in contact with us and we would be very grateful if you could pass on this information to those that you know.

His funeral will take place at Seven Hills Crematorium at 12 noon on Friday 27th May.

As is the usual practice, we would like to place an obituary for him in the next OI Journal and would be very grateful if anyone felt they could come forward to write one. Alternatively, if you know of any stories or memories, please pass them on so we could put them together for the publication. Address any contributions to me through oldipswichians@ipswich.school.

With best wishes,

Iain Chesterman

OI Chairman

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Graham was born in Holbrook and attended Holbrook Primary School.

From 1952 to 1959 he attended Ipswich School where he was extremely happy.  He was one of the founder members of Felaw and represented the school at various levels in rugby and cricket culminating in membership of the 1st XV in 1958, which won all its games that year, and captaining the 2nd XI which enjoyed an undefeated season. He also enjoyed life in the CCF attaining the rank of CQMS and represented the School at rifle shooting. He was particularly proud to have held the office of School Prefect.

On leaving school, Graham joined East Suffolk County Council in the Highways Department, ultimately becoming a Chartered Engineer and a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Member of the Institution of Highways and Transportation and a Member of the British Institute of Management.  His career spanned 35 years with East Suffolk and its successor authority, Suffolk County Council, finishing as Assistant County Surveyor (Engineering and Transportation Services). His work mainly involved the design and construction of major road and bridge schemes and he was involved in virtually all major bypass projects in the county between 1963 and 1995. He considered himself lucky to have been responsible for the maintenance of the Orwell Bridge when Suffolk County Council acted as agents for the Department of Transport.

Graham first met Jackie in 1961 when she joined the Treasurers Department at Suffolk County Council and they went on to marry in 1966.  Louise was born in 1969 and over the next few years the family enjoyed a number of holidays abroad where Graham was able to pursue his love of photography. He particularly enjoyed photographing wildlife, flora and fauna – and a favourite holiday was a Kenyan safari in 1978.

During this period Graham also enjoyed playing cricket for the Old Ipswichians.

Graham retired from Suffolk County Council in 1995, spending much of his time in gardening, photography, furniture renovation and reading. He also became a proficient watercolour painter and enjoyed playing snooker.

In 1998 Graham was invited to take up editorship of the OI section of the Ipswich School Magazine.  He later became OI Administrator and Secretary of the Club and remained in the roles until his second retirement in December 2007. He also spent a year as President of the OI Club.

In later years, despite his declining health, Graham continued to enjoy lunch outings and car rides in the countryside.

Jackie Peck (Wife)

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Graham was also a keen supporter of the OI cricket club and was a stalwart of the OI second team along with players such as Brian Nix, Tony Tyrell, and John Goldsmith. He was loyal supporter of the School and Club and will be sadly missed.

Steve Runnacles (OI 1963-74)

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I was very sorry to hear of the death of Graham.  He was a lovely man, modest and self-effacing.  I first met him when he welcomed me into the OI 2nd XI cricket team as a very nervous schoolboy back in the 60s.  He made me feel completely at home.  I remember he had a trademark shot that at first sight appeared to be a misjudgement but given the frequency with which he played it was clearly well calculated.  It was a lofted straight drive but hit so steeply as to appear inevitably to result in a catch.  The ball would reach such a height however that not only did none of the fielders really fancy getting underneath it but invariably it would crash to earth a yard or two beyond the boundary. Later of course I knew him as a most loyal supporter and administrator for the OI Club.

Peter Boughton (OI 1958-69)

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I have very happy memories of working with Graham - he enabled the school to give far more administrative support to the OI club, working alongside the club's committee and officers, and this both took some pressure off the committee members and led to a wider range of club activities. 

Ian