Parkway mourn loss of Graham Nicholas
Plymouth Parkway are saddened to hear the passing of Graham Nicholas who passed away suddenly at his home yesterday. Graham twice battled with cancer and will be forever missed from all at the Football Club.
We send our love to wife Elaine and grandson Marc and the rest of the family at this difficult time.
Graham epitomised the spirit of Plymouth Parkway through his loyal support, cheeky smile and love of the club which was always evident on match days. He was one of the original cast members of the Plymouth Parkway Supporters club, something Graham was always very proud to be involved with and will be missed by all members.
Plymouth born and bred, Graham would work for Mother Pride at Burrington industrial estate for over 40 years and would become a dotting husband to wife Elaine for over 50 years.
His Grandson Marc (pictured with Graham above) could always be seen by his side at Parkway games, and it would always be a special time for Marc: “I have amazing memories of us together watching and supporting Parkway over the years. The thing I will always remember is whilst battling cancer for the 2nd time in his life, we travelled up to Newcastle to watch and support Parkway in their FA Vase Q\F clash against Hebburn. We both travelled up on the coach with fans and the players taking in the whole occasion. It was very special.
Founding member of the PPSC Stuart Cadmore remembers Graham fondly: “He was a familiar face at the ground and always accompanied by his wife Elaine, also a keen follower of Parkway. Graham was one of the volunteers for clearing the ground at the annual clean up and even went to Torquay Utd ground to look at seating when the club were trying to get yellow and blue seats. His Grandson, Marc, has already decided to take up his Grandad’s mantle and join the PPSC. Deepest condolences to Elaine and all his family and friends.’
As the messages of condolences began flooding in, nearly all would mention Graham’s bubbling personality and smile that would only vanish from his face if the Yellows suffered defeat. It would soon return moments later, Graham just loved to be at Bolitho next to his wife and Grandson.
Plymouth Parkway chairman Mark Russell would say of Graham: “You just knew Graham loved Bolitho Park and Plymouth Parkway, he would travel home and away with the club, and it was always wonderful to see him next to Elaine and Marc. We strive to be a family club and they all epitomised that family value. Graham will be sadly missed by us all.”
Marc will follow in his Grandad’s footsteps and join the PPSC ahead of the new season to keep the tradition alive, Marc will be welcomed with open arms and will be a fitting tribute to Graham’s love of the club.
A date for the funeral has not been arranged but due to current guidelines, only family members will be allowed inside the church. Marc has requested that any Parkway fans who would like to pay tribute to Graham can play a part by lining up outside the cemetery with their yellow and blue scarfs and show their respects would be greatly received by the family.
The family have asked that no flowers are brought but donations to Cancer Research Trust will be appreciated as a box will be set up at the crematorium. Details of the funeral will follow in due course.
Once a Yellow, always a Yellow.
RIP Graham, you will be missed.
Parkway Partners
