Graham Walker, well-known butcher and accomplished sportsman, dies aged 81

TRIBUTES have been paid to Graham Walker, a well-known figure in the worlds of business and sport, who has died aged 81 following a lengthy illness.

Graham was widely recognisable in Stalybridge having run butchers Walker-Wilkinson for 40 years with business partner John Wilkinson.

But he was also an accomplished sportsman, excelling in both football and cricket.

Denton raised Graham, who was a talented wing half, was a youth team player with Oldham Athletic.

Graham, who attended St Lawrence’s School, has two spells playing for Hyde United, mainly in the reserves but also in the first team.

They were punctuated by a spell in America where he played semi-pro football.

Les Sutton, who was the manager for Hyde United’s reserve and later first-team, said: “I grew up with Graham in Denton and we played together in local teams.

“I was asked to form a Sunday team at the Chapel House, Denton, and we won everything with Graham one of our better players,” he said.

Les and Graham were also cricketing team-mates at Denton and Les was in the middle with opening batsman Graham when he scored a century at Stalybridge.

“It was unheard of in those days to score a century in local cricket and I was batting with him when he reached his 100,” he said.

“Graham was also a very good fielder, usually at slip or gully as he had quick reflexes. He didn’t drop many catches.”

“We had some good times together, Graham was a good lad, reliable and never let you down,” Les continued.

Graham also played cricket for Denton St Lawrence.

He later spent two seasons as joint manager of Stalybridge Celtic reserves with Peter Barnes who later became club chairman.

Graham also helped Peter coach Stalyhill Juniors which went on to become Stalybridge Celtic Juniors. They also ran together the British Pony Marathon.

Peter, who had known Graham for more than 30 years, said: ”As a friend, I could not ask for anyone better.

“He had a sense of humour and was also a gentleman. Everyone in Stalybridge knew Graham who would always stop and chat to everyone.

“He was a nice guy and he will be missed.”

That was echoed by Dennis Middleton, a former Hyde United team-mate and friend for 52 years.

He recalled Graham being a governor at Ridge Hill Primary, Stalybridge, and, as they had no male teacher, they ran the school football team together.

Dennis said: “Graham was my best friend who taught me about life, not just football.

“He was a gentleman, like a father to me. He was a very kind person who always had a word for you and a smile.”

Dennis and Graham, who was a diehard Stalybridge Celtic fan, would watch a couple of non-league football games each week until illness prevented him from attending any more.

Graham began his working life as a pattern maker with Oldham Batteries in Denton.

But after returning from playing football in America he became a butcher joining John in business through family connections.

Graham retired from the business in 2010 aged 71 and within three months was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In latter years, he also suffered from dementia.

Graham, who was an accomplished gardener, leaves Mary, his wife of 46 years, daughters Marie-Claire and Lisa and four granddaughters.

The family has been touched by the “great outpouring of love” for Graham with dozens of messages on the Stalybridge Town Facebook page.