Date: 29th Mar 2024
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GEOFF CROPPER; UPDATED

Date: 27th May 2017

GEOFF CROPPER; UPDATED

We are sorry to hear that the death of Geoff Cropper has been announced. Geoff’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, June 6th at 11am at St Helens Crematorium.

He was former a player at  Warrington New Town and skipper at St Helens, Bolton and Wigan Cricket Clubs.  

A man before his time and a master tactician, Geoff kept a Roladex card for every player he ever played against! He was a dour and capable opening bat at a time when such qualities were more highly prized than they are today.

He was latterly heavily involved with St Helens RLFC.

 

 

 

 

 

The following tribute to Geoff appeared in the St Helens Star

 http://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/15319003.Tributes_paid_to__dedicated__Saints_man_Geoff_Cropper/?ref=fbpg

"RUGBY league players have been among those paying tribute to a “dedicated” Saints fan and volunteer who has passed away.

Geoff Cropper was a well-known and much-loved figure around the club, having organised fans’ forum events, supported players with testimonials and helped fundraise for the academy’s Australian tours.

Geoff, who lived in Windle, died aged 73 at Willowbrook Hospital on the evening of Wednesday, May 24 after a battle with cancer. 

A keen sportsman he also supported Leeds United and was a former cricketer and footballer, playing for Prescot Grammar School.

A talented batsman, Geoff captained the St Helens Cricket Club and had a trial with Lancashire.

He leaves behind widow Lilian, who he married in 1972, brother Alan and sons David and Graham.

In tribute older brother Alan said: “He was always fit and always on the go and would speak to you and was always moving when he spoke to you going to the next place.“I will certainly miss him. We have always got on and played cricket together and football and had a good life.“He was a keen Leeds United fan and used to go with his wife and had gone to Elland Road on a regular basis. Alan added: “We were lucky enough after we were born to have Parish Church field at the back of us and we had the best of times really.” 

In honour of Geoff, Saints historian Alex Service added: “A dedicated family man, it seemed that everyone knew Geoff and the events he organised with such precision will be long remembered. “He brought the fans and players together, one of the essential essences of a true community club. “Geoff faced his illness like he played the most deadly fast bowlers, with unflinching courage and dignity. “The recent Saints victory against the Old Enemy was a fitting tribute to his work and I will miss Geoff’s almost forensic appraisal of Saints’ games and sporting chats.

“James Graham, a player Geoff admired so much was upset to hear of his passing, saying: ‘He is truly irreplaceable, a man who taught me so much and it was such a pleasure to be in his company’.”

Saints paid their respects in a tribute on social media: “All the directors, players and staff at Saints send their sympathies to the family of Geoff Cropper.“Geoff was one of the kindest people you could meet and dedicated himself to the club and its academy. He will be sadly missed”.

Geoff’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, June 6th at 11am at St Helens Crematorium.

A Just Giving page has been set up in aid of Willowbrook Hospice in memory of Geoff. 

To donate, see justgiving.com/fundraising/Geoff-Cropper"

 

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