Our Dear Brother, Shegs.
“Teach me to play my part well in a plan and in sport to win or lose with fair cheer.” These words, from the Igbobi College school song, speak so much to Shegs.
Most of us were 10 or 11 years old when we met at Igbobi College. Little did we know that the bonds that we made in those early years would stay with us till this day. And this is in no small way due to classmates like Shegs.
40 years after we left secondary school, we, in the UK, agreed to try and meet up every time a class mate visited the UK from wherever in the world they lived. It was a sacrifice of time and effort and it was always a joy when Shegs turned up. He was a stalwart of the group and many of us have great recollections of when he hosted the set at his house a few years back, with Sarah and Lily,
A gifted sportsman full of natural ability who did not, like some of his friends, have to rely on knowing the captain to get selected for the football first team. You would always want him on your side. And it was no surprise that he took this natural ability into rugby, a word he pronounced in his own special way, and a topic on which he could speak for ever.
Shegs grew into this wonderful and charming man.
From long hours sat in various venues in West Hampstead, whether sharing a meal or a drink, or watching the Lions (when Shegs came into his own with his analysis), it was always a joy to be with him.
Whenever we met up for a drink, whatever the topic, whenever the time, we went on and on and on and on. It has been mentioned more than once by the many groups that have been united by this sad event, Shegs was the life and soul of our meet-ups.
If there was one thing that challenged us the most, it was his support for Chelsea, and even then, you can not argue with their success.
In this online age, Shegs was in touch with so many of us, at least via social media. What has since become apparent though is that he also had one-to-ones with so many of us. Each one of us believing he was our special friend.
And HE WAS.
He had that uncanny ability to make you feel that you were the most important person in the world. Always had time to listen, and only gave his opinion when asked. Quite simply put, Shegs was an all-round good egg.
One really cannot think of a bad thing to say about Shegs. Even thinking of mischievous things, it is strange that, when wives and girlfriends thought some of us were out on the town doing whatever wives and girlfriends think their men are out there doing...so often we were sat in a bar with Shegs, chatting away into the wee hours.
Time flies when you are having fun and so it was with Shegs. Many a time we all rushed to try and catch the last train home.
Shegs, this is the one train, we would rather you missed. Sadly, your train has arrived, and you have left too early. But the fond memories remain.
The chorus of the School song says: “Give me a torch which shall shine and pour on all afar and near its radiance divine”
Shegs, your torch continues to shine and your radiance divine is reflected in Sarah and Lily.
The good Lord will continue to guard and guide those you have left behind. We pray that God will provide the family, strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
God loves you best.
ICOBA 74/79 Set
Igbobi College Old Boys Association 74/79 Set