Today, after a delay of some seven weeks, we attended the funeral of one of the most kind-hearted and unassuming gentlemen of the choir Mr. Geoff Shooter. Although the congregation was limited to 30, many more arrived to pay their respects and I am sure Geoff would have sincerely appreciated the evident love and sincerity.
Geoff celebrated his 80th birthday last November. He was born in Kirkby in Ashfield to a fair-sized family of 4 brothers and sisters. The family moved to Rainworth and subsequently to Mansfield Woodhouse. Upon meeting Margaret, it wasn’t long before they were making plans to marry, and this was done with some aplomb. Geoff and Margaret eloped to get married in Gretna Green in July 1964 when she was just 18 years old, and Geoff was 23. No doubt both sets of parents were worried, but they had no need as their successful and loving marriage lasted 56 years. This exciting wedding was featured on the front page of the Mansfield CHAD.
Geoff worked in the mining industry, primarily at Rufford pit and settling in Mansfield Woodhouse and subsequently in 1974 into their home on Leeming Lane North the couple were blessed with two children: John and Sarah. John, through the help and dedication of his parents won a place at Cambridge to read music and has followed an illustrious career as an organist and teacher working frequently in the far east, at present in Hong Kong. Sarah, when aged 3, was diagnosed with Rett’s disease and has since suffered physical and mental disability. Geoff and Margaret dedicated such love and care for Sarah who , in more recent years, has led a happy and comfortable life in the Oaklands home in Warsop.
Geoff has always led a full life including being community minded. Here are some examples; avid Mansfield Town fan and qualified football referee, fanatic motorcycle owner (Royal Enfield), school governor at Nettleworth Infant and Nursery School, caretaker at Sherwood Welfare, gardener at St. Edmunds Church, Mansfield Woodhouse, member of Manor bowls club and of course, for 25 years a leading light in the bass section of Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir.
Geoff joined the choir in 1994. He thoroughly enjoyed his singing, the camaraderie of the members, forming lasting friendships with many and was instrumental in directly encouraging new members. In the early 2000’s the choir nearly closed, and it was Geoff who was willing to step forward, take responsibility and to serve as Choir Chairman from 2003 to 2009. It is without doubt that his determination and leadership gave new life to the choir. Geoff and Margaret have been very loyal supporters and enthusiasts in the choir; always present at concerts and Supporters’ Group events until ill health made that difficult.
Today, Geoff’s son John, could not physically attend his father’s funeral but joined via a video link from Hong Kong. However, John’s partner Karen, read out his moving testimonial which captured Geoff’s spirit, love for his family, and celebrated a most successful life. The congregation were happy to hear Margret’s choice of song to illustrate how Geoff lived and how he impacted on those around him. “Bring Me Sunshine” by Morecambe and Wise. Could not be bettered!
Vert worthy review Geoff. I was sad not to be able to attend.
Gordon Blanc
I knew Geoff for many years and always found him to be a smashing guy who would always help anyone who needed it. I was sorry not to attend his funeral due to my disability. I’m sure Beryl would have liked to have been there as well. R.I.P Geoff. Les and Beryl.
We will miss Geoff. I hope Margaret will feel able to return to the audience in time. The service was both touching and uplifting. Geoff’s family and friends were very proud to know him.
What a lovely service and wonderful tribute to a special man. I felt privileged to be present and to have known Geoff.
A lovely tribute to a lovely man. I often stood next to Geoff as a fellow bass man and always found him polite and courteous and it was a pleasure to have known him. My thoughts now go out to Margaret and hope she copes with her loss and can call upon the choir to help and assist in the future. We would love to see her attend our upcoming concerts which I’m sure wont be too long now.