Phil Garner
Be the best you can be in Life
Phil was born in Liverpool in 1946 and from an early age was full of life, spirit and energy. He gained a scholarship to Jesus College, Oxford, where he studied English. He had a career in teaching and then moved on to management in F.E.
He was a highly talented individual and outstanding sportsman; he captained Oxfordshire to two minor county championships as the first Amateur England captain. He travelled the world as captain with The Club Cricket Conference, playing inspirational cricket. His last success came in the final of the Oxfordshire over 50s at Lord’s in 2008, where they won. Phil also enjoyed a game of golf and was a true Everton supporter to the end.
Phil had a love of theatre and, after performing for many years, went on to be a highly talented and inspiring director of amateur theatre. He had many successful shows: Man of la Mancha; Hired Man; Follies; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers; Chess and many more. Sadly, Phil was half-way thorough directing Sweeney Todd with Abingdon Operatic Society when he became very ill – he never lived to see the production.
Phil was a very private man and was at peace in the foothills of mountains of Andalusia, where we have a house. He loved the sound of Flamenco guitar and enjoyed reading and exploring the history of Moorish Spain. We had planned to spend more time there as we got older; both very happy in each other’s company, with the simple things that life offered.
Sadly, my dreams and Phil’s were taken away from us on 2nd September 2009, when he died of a GBM stage 4 after only five and a half weeks. Myself, family and friends feel a big unfair hole has been left in our lives. That is why I decided, in my dear husband’s memory, to set up “The Phil Garner Fund”. I wanted to do something positive and, with an amazing set of family and friends, we have put together some challenging, enjoyable, fun sporting events. All in aid of this very worthwhile trust: SDBTT.
Phil’s words:
“I get get pleasure out of helping people achieve their personal goals and to be the best they can be.”
He was an inspiration to all that knew him and left a footprint on many lives. This reflects in the sackloads of cards and letters I received last September.
I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope you will be able to come and support some of the events we have organised. I look forward to meeting you all.
Mary Garner
2010 EVENTS planned so far:
8th May – Street Collection in Marlborough
15th May – Coffee Morning in Liverpool
16th May – BUPA Great Manchester Run
17th June – Golf Day in Burford, Oxon
27th Nov – Concert in Birmingham in memory of Phil
7th Dec – Golf Day in Wychwood, Oxon