Sadly, I must report the death of Graham Southall on Thursday 3rd October 2019.
None of us were expecting the sudden death of Graham and the loss of this tremendous character is hard to believe and take in. So much has happened as a result of this man. To even begin to estimate the loss to his family, friends and his workmates is impossible.
Graham was one of the founders of The Co-op Credit Union, back in 1998, and our first secretary. The Co-op Credit Union would never have launched and would never have become so successful had it not been for the efforts of Graham Southall
As a way of recognising this effort, The Co-op Credit Union created its first Life Presidency. This honour was bestowed on Graham who retired in 2014 from The Co-operative Group after 48 years and at the same time from the credit union. His energy, passion and enthusiasm for credit unions will never be forgotten and is a lesson to us all. Furthermore, the credit union also created the Graham Southall Award that annually recognises co-operative achievement by volunteers or supporters of the CCU.
Our love goes out to Graham’s family and anyone that knew or worked with him. On behalf of our members, we salute his co-operative values and honour his legacy of kindness and help for others.
David Fawell
Chair, The Co-op Credit Union
…………………….
Graham was held in the highest regard, with great love and respect by colleagues and co-op friends, as is shown in the very many messages which have already been sent in response to the sad news:
“He will be fondly remembered by everyone who he came into contact with. His work for the Credit Union was exceptional and he always had time for people. He will be sorely missed by everyone and my heart goes out to his family. A true co-operative person who lived by those values.
“A great man who will be missed by so many”
“He was a Co-op legend”
“Graham exemplified Co-operative values”
“A lovely guy with the amazing talent of remembering everybody by their first name and made you feel like an old friend,”
“Absolute legend”
“To many of us, Graham was the epitome of our values”
“A great co-operator and simply one of the nicest guys around”
“A cornerstone of the Co-op who has been taken too soon”
“Graham was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed by all who knew him”
“RIP Graham, Co-op won’t be the same without you”
“Always gave up his personal time for others”
“Graham’s heart was with the Coop”
“Graham ‘carried us’ in our team. An unflappable demeanour, unselfish nature always putting others before himself”
“Graham was Mr Co-op; he would do anything for anyone”
“He was very special – will be sadly missed by all”
