Family tributes by Gemma, Danni, Robert and Charlie

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He was to me a brother, but he was also a friend, who I spent many times with enjoying his company and his stories, jokes and anecdotes.
He was funny, silly, stupid at times but he was my brother.
He took me to primary school, and brought me home, he helped me, through those early years at school.
In senior school, we played Rugby together once, which was great, he was scrum half, Jimmy was number 8 and I was in the second row in a game against the male school teachers rugby team, can’t remember if we won or not.
We watched FA cup finals together as a family, choosing a team we each wanted to win and having a great day together enjoying each other’s company, mostly.
He was kind, considerate and a good listener.
He could be irritated by some of the things I did but that was my job as a brother to irritate an older brother, isn’t it.
He is also a husband to Nicky, father, father in law, grandfather, uncle, Godfather, Cousin and nephew.
He was never short in coming forward, always first to welcome people he didn’t know, ask them questions, listen to their answers and walk away from a conversation knowing that person, a little and remembering them, if he saw them again.
He was a footballer, goal keeper in his playing days, manager and Referee.
He lived and loved Football, which was a topic of conversation for many hours over cups of tea and pints of beer or Guinness.
He was a gas head, a life long Bristol Rovers supporter, going to games both home and away, when he could.
The family all went to a Bristol Rovers game on his 50th Birthday and partied afterwards to celebrate that milestone, despite the Rovers losing that day 5-1 at home.
We celebrated his 60th this year via Zoom, which was great.
We had a drink or 2 to congratulate him in achieving this milestone.
He was a charmer, everyone I know, said he was a lovely once they met him and spent time with him, which is the memories people outside the family remember him for, being a good friend to many is a tribute to him as a person and human being.
I will raise a pint of Guinness in Ireland and a pint of Doombar or tribute ale in Cornwall to him, when I’m in those places again to thank him for being him, my brother Chris.

John Grady

A properly, properly lovely human. Like all his family, no judgement, warm and welcoming.

I’ll always be looking out for the Bristol Rovers score. He should have a word with God and twist his arm for a promotion.

Jason Razzell

Chris: A gentleman who exuded kindness and thoughtfulness; whose warm and wonderful smile would light up a room.

You will be missed Chris by so many of us.

With my love and thanks for your friendship.

Sally

You were the best Chris
Loved every minute we where together!!
I will never forget you!!
We had some great times
I will miss you so so much
Rest in peace my friend

Colin

From his Mother-in-law! We had a good relationship, and shared a sense of humour. I will miss his washing-up at our large family get-togethers. He just got on with it without being asked.

Gillian Sloggett

A man of such warmth and generosity and humour, taken far too early for those of us left. Your laughter and smile have given joy to so many. We will never forget your friendship, Chris. You changed our life for the better.

Becky Cornwell

Chris was a legend at Kew Association Football Club. In his pomp, he played in goal for the first team but latterly took to refereeing and was the club’s referee secretary. During his time at Kew he was instrumental in the building of the new clubhouse and always gave his time and money to assist the club. Everyone at Kew send their deepest condolences to the Grady family – Chris will be sorely missed by us all.

John Kane

I got to know Chris when he joined Kew Association FC. sometime in the 80’s I believe. Chris was a goal-keeper and a rather good one at that.

He became an integral part of the team and later the club as when he finished playing ,he became a referee.
I have many happy memories of propping up the bar with him, sharing a pin and listening to his ‘Bristolian’ twang waxing lyrical about ‘the rovers!!’

His premature passing is a total tragedy.

My sincerest condolences to his family

Buj

My adorable, fun loving brother Chris. It is heart breaking to know you have passed, but you will never ever be forgotten. A missing piece of our family, and eventhough we are apart you will always, always be in my heart. Love you dearly. Rest in peace.

Cath ❤❤❤

Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your family’s loss.

I played football with Chris for many years at Kew Association Football Club. Chris was a kind and gentle man and our lives at (K.A.F.C.) were greatly enriched by his unflagging enthusiasm and spirit and I am so glad to have shared some quality time with him. If I remember correctly Chris was an avid Bristol Rovers supporter and every Saturday in the club house would wait with nervous anticipation for the ‘teleprinter’ results. His loyalty was unflagging in everything he touched.

Taken too soon but never forgotten.

Your teammate and friend

Kenny Bryant

Chris was a very nice person over the years he was so kind to my wife Jane during her recent illness she worked with Chris for 28 YEARS. I would like to send my my heart felt condolences to Nicky and all her family.

Love

Don

I always laughed at his jokes, told him he was gorgeous and gave him the biggest hugs and I am so glad I did. Chris always took time to make everyone feel special and struggled with compliments but the truth is he was one of the kindest, most humble, generous and wise men I was lucky enough to know in my lifetime.

I do hope he was needed for something very special and important elsewhere as he was taken from those who loved him, far too early.

He will be missed but celebrated forever more ❤️

Gillian

Throughout the time I knew Chris he was always an incredibly friendly person, always with time to have a chat and a laugh, always positive and reliable and a great servant of Kew Association. He’ll be greatly missed.

Peter Kitchen

As a fellow goalkeeper for Kew Association FC Chris provided unswerving support and enthusiasm for a young keeper finding his way in men’s football during my early years with the Club after joining in 1982. I always aspired not only to be as good a keeper as Chris but also to show his humility and loyalty to his friends. When Chris ‘put his gloves away’ he became a top referee who commanded the respect of all the players through his knowledge of the game but also his integrity. I would like to end by saying that if I walked into the Club Bar and Chris was there I knew I was in for a great time.

My condolences to all of the Grady family. To our fellow Kew ‘Wallah’ Rob, when you feel able please come down and enjoy a beverage with the Vets while we chat about your Dad’s exploits.

Bob The Coke

We at the Jolly Coopers, where Chris would come and get his sandwich, usually a tuna and sweetcorn and on the odd occasion stop and have lunch with a client or a friend wish to send our sincerest condolences to Chris’s family and friends.

We are saddened beyond belief to learn of his passing. A true kind gentleman, who loved to have a chat about football especially Bristol Rovers and life, he was always so polite and interested in us and our staff. Even during the recent restrictions Chris would come to the window of his office to have a chat and ask how things are going for us, or there was always a cheery wave on our way past walking the dog. Everyone we have spoken to let know the incredibly sad news have been so saddened and have had so many lovely things to say about him. We can honestly say he was the epitome of a gentleman, who never complained, moaned or was ever negative. We have truly lost one of the nicest people we have ever met and now cannot pass the office without feeling the emptiness of not having Chris in our world. We will truly miss him and feel if we can just apply some of Chris’s ways to our everyday life we will be far better people for it. Chris it was an honour to serve you and welcome you to our Coopers family, we hope that wherever you are now they appreciate just what they have in you, and we know you will be gently changing everything for the better.

Nick, Jane, Billy and all at the Jolly Coopers Hampton x

I first got to know Chris around 40 years ago at Reading when we were both in Wells Hall…. which was such a long time ago and as Chris would say… you could get less for murder… and the truth is we both got away with murder!

Chris had a warmth to his soul and he made us laugh… boy did we laugh and laugh and laugh…. we teased Chris for his R & R “tractor” vocabulary but the truth is…. Chris was special and we loved him. I remember an Elton John Concert at Wembley where we shouted “Watford” for at least 30 minutes before we got a wave from Elton…. and we capped the night off with a ruby and Bristol Harvey Creams…. cos it was Chrimbo !

Chris loved his football and was steeped in “blue & white” always the butt of the City boys…. but at Reading we played in purple and he was always “arder then ever”… never more so than playing as centre forward against Rouen on a Tour match or when toughing it out against Reading Saturday league sides or in Uni UAU games.

As we got older we would meet up for stag do’s… weddings and lads night’s out… and we always shared a joke and a smile…. whatever the topic Chris made you chuckle !

Chris you were a top, top man. Good on Yer mate…

Love Bill
XXXX

We met Chris as Nicky‘s husband many decades ago when visiting Sloggett family in England. We appreciated his very friendly character, his hospitality and his sense of humor very much. We wish the family comfort in these very hard days of farewell of a beloved husband and good father and son in law. In thankful remembering

Elke, Ralf, Enno and Hilde from Germany

Chris was such a lovely bloke. Loving family man to all the Gradys and Kew AFC legend! It was an honour to play in the last game that he reffed at the club, his last act in a hugely successful 40 year career both on and off the pitch. I’ll never forgot his pre-match words about the importance of being sensible in an inter-club preseason friendly, then 10 mins in yelling at the 2s player for a dangerous challenge on our keeper and sending him off! RIP Chris

Chris O’Hara

My lasting memory of Chris was a day on Woolacombe beach almost 6 years ago, during the annual Sloggat AGM.

Chris was up early for his morning dip in the sea and making his way down the beach fully kitted out in his wet suit. He seemed a little surprised, when I said I’d walk down with him, but of course, he was more than happy for me to accompany him. Whilst Chris might have been expecting me to throw myself into the freezing cold Cornish sea, I had very different ideas. It was in fact the time when I would be asking Chris for his daughters’ hand in marriage. I’d been planning for weeks what I was going to say, when I finally got to the point, he just turned to me and gave me a huge hug and shook my hand. He explained how happy and proud he was, then in the next breath, said ‘Can I tell Nicky, there’s no way I can keep this a secret from her!’

We spent the next hour walking around the beach, and I genuinely felt his sense of happiness, also that he couldn’t wait to share the news with Nicky. Chris said he would always associate Woolacome beach with the time I asked him for Gemma’s hand in marriage.

Over the years the more formal handshakes turned to big bear hugs and the ‘famous’ Chris Grady handshake, which would always welcome me to 22 King Edwards Grove. The greeting embodied Chris’s nature – warm, kind, caring and silly humour.

Chris was also a stickler for the classic ‘Dad joke,’ although he never said it, I think he always appreciated the fact that I would always laugh at them, often much to Nicky’s dismay. I did however find them genuinely funny!

Chris would often come in late from the Lensbury and explain to me how he’d just been for his ‘executive workout’ which consisted of a swim, sauna, an hour with the paper and a pint (or 2) or Stella.

In reflecting on the time I knew Chris, I think of him as a person who always saw the good in everybody. He made everyone feel welcome and had a great knack of building rapport with everyone he’d meet.

As I dropped Nicky and her family off to spend their last few hours with Chris, I gave Nicky a big hug and she turned to me and said, ‘Chris liked you, he was proud you were son his in law.’ I was also proud to call Chris my Father in Law, he was a shining example of how someone should live their life, with love, laughter, kindness and always put family first.

A genuinely all-round great person, who will be dearly missed.

Matthew Knight

Chris was my cousin and remember him as a really considerate and lovely son. His mum Nancy was a lovely lady and Chris very much followed in her footsteps as a family man and all round great human. I was lucky enough to have long walk with him in Kerry last Easter rounded off with a pint or 2 of Guinness. We all have lovely memories of him and he was taken far too soon. Sending loads of love to the Grady family and especially Nicky at this very sad time.

Sarah

I met Chris roughly 35 years ago when Nicky & Chris just got married. It turned out that he was very keen on football and appreciated beer. He explained to me that his interests were football, beer and women. He pointed out just in that order. We shook hands since it met precisely my interests too and ever since we got on very well teasing a bit Nicky by mentioning the order. 😉

The other day, it was on a Tuesday in August this year I phoned up Nicky for having a chat. Chris was watching the European Cup quarterfinal with Wolverhampten. I told Nicky I was going to watch Bayern playing Barcelona the following day. Chris replyed from the background they were playing on Friday. So I was wrong but now well informed, Nicky was a bit worried about so many football matches and maniacs surrounding her. Unfortunately I couldn‘t speak for long with her since she was about to leave to visit a friend. What did I do instead with my time? I sympathised with Chris and watched Wolverhampten as well but in Germany!

I always regarded Chris for his character, humour, cheerfulness and open-heartedness. I will miss sharing the latest football news with him. I wish the family, particularly my friend Nicky, strength to go through this difficult time of mourning and farewell.

Martin and his family from Germany

I consider myself privileged to have worked with Chris, (predominately by e-mail and phone sadly- such is life now), as out of house legal adviser to the Sloggett Group for some 13 years.

Eagle eyed and professional to the core, yet warm, and humorous when appropriate, he will remain a great inspiration to me.

He will be greatly missed and my thoughts are with his family and friends.

Graham Medler, Rootes & Alliott Solicitors

I first met Chris in the early 80’s when he joined Kew Association from Ibis. We didn’t know each other very well in the early days as he was the 1st team goalie and I was desperately hanging onto a 3rd XI place. Some twenty years later, I re-joined the club to attempt to play again but soon joined Chris as a “club ref”. In 2003, we took the refereeing course together and our friendship blossomed.

When I took on the Referee Secretary roles with the Southern Amateur League, followed by the Amateur Football Alliance and finally with the Arthurian League, Chris was always willing to join my referee panels.

We used to meet regularly on Saturday nights after refereeing our respective matches. Over several pints, including “one-for-the-ditch”, we’d put the world to rights. If he told me a new joke that had tickled his funny bone, I knew I would hear it at least twice more during the course of the evening.
He was proud of his Bristolian and Irish roots, even more proud of his family and unfailingly pessimistic about Bristol Rovers – a true fan!

I had the honour and pleasure of calling Chris a close friend. He was loyal and supportive and the most Christian person I have ever met.

I shall miss him.

Gareth Dineen

Chris was a wonderful and exemplary man in many many ways. I have great memories of him and respected him for the huge positive impact he had on us and particularly on our son Simon when he was younger. We will very much miss you Chris!

David Avigdor and family

Though I had not seen Chris for many years I remember him as an amusing, lovable character who showed his excellent judgment in his choice of wife.

Rowland Morris

First and foremost I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to Nicky and the entire Grady family on the tragic and untimely passing of Chris, a generous, compassionate and all round great guy and my friend. We go back to his Greenbank days; growing up in East Bristol we inherited that life long and incurable affliction BRFC aka “The Gas”. Escaped up the M32, and found life long partners. Chris was an usher at my wedding and a few years later, Lesley, and myself had the pleasure of attending, Chris and Nicky’s wedding in Canterbury. Life then took over as one raises a family etc, but through Jim (Chris’s brother) we kept in touch, it was always a joy to meet up for a Rovers game. In recent years, the local trip to Wimbledon and the infamous escapade to Charlton are such happy and treasured memories. Chris was a force of nature, that mischievous glint in his eye, those challenging questions, he always give you his full attention, there was nothing superficial about him, he was always upfront and genuine and treated everyone the same. I will miss that handshake, that extra pint and his infectious love of life.

Jeff & Lesley bakes and family

Sending all my love and condolences to the Grady family on the sudden passing of Chris. Such a gent, always made you feel comfortable and welcome whenever he was around. A truly genuine guy who will be sadly missed but very fondly remembered by all who knew him. RIP Chris.

Karen Watson

A big welcoming smile greeted us, the first time by your side.
The father of our son’s bride.
When Gemma married Matthew, you were filled with so much pride.
Then along came Amelia.
All those years had gone so fast.
Happy ever after, a Grandad at last.
We were happy to have known you, we shared a few good laughs.
God claimed you far too soon.
We will morn you till the last.

Janice and Glenn Knight

Looking through the photographs and tributes to Chris I feel that I am gate crashing on family and friends, but I have been touched by all your thoughts and recollections and I hope that you will allow me to be a part of this Celebration of Chris’ life. I knew Chris professionally as a client ( Sloggett Group) ever since 2006. He was always most gracious and appreciative I wish I had known him better. Your loss is such a tragedy, Rest in Peace Chris.

Roger Nelson

Chris had that rare attribute of making people feel at complete ease the first time they met him, which I had the pleasure of nearly 30 years ago. A shared love of football and beer meant many happy times in his company, whether on long walks at weekends away with friends or at various social occasions and of course his often repeated jokes got better each time they were aired! Chris always had time for people, whether just listening or giving his time to others in the wider community, alongside a genuine kindness that made Chris the gentleman he was. We will all miss and never forget him having our own special and unique memories of one of life’s good blokes.

Carl Brown

Chris always greeted you with a warm and welcoming smile. He had a generous spirit and a very kind heart. Your loss will be felt by so many. Rest in peace dear Chris.

With love

Chrissie & David Hammond

A compassionate, selfless and lovely brother in law and uncle who was always interested in and had time for others. We loved his silly jokes, passion for football and beer. Happiest being surrounded by his family and friends, wild swimming and taking long walks to distant pubs. We’ll all miss him terribly.

Ian Sloggett

Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Nicky and all the Grady Family on the tragic passing of Chris.

We got to know Chris as the beloved eldest brother of Cath, our very dear and treasured friend of many many years and precious uncle of Melisa and Jayda. Whenever we met him he was always smiling and laughing and a true gentleman.

He will be so greatly missed by all those who were honoured to have met him.

Rest in Peace

Trish, Eileen, Christine and Flahive Family

A poem by Tony Grady – What Chris Would Say:

I’m tired – hello Tired, my name’s Chris

I’m cold – hello Cold, my name’s Chris

I’m so sad and don’t know how we’ll carry on without you – hello So sad and don’t know how we’ll carry on without you, my name’s Chris.

Tony Grady

I met Chris some 10 years plus ago when he asked me to carry out a project for the Sloggett Group. I feel privileged to have known Chris and have been lucky to have worked with him for all these years.

Colleagues would always comment on Chris being such a gentleman and all held him in high regard. We looked forward to a site visit from him, always professional but never to busy to say hello to everyone on site. Once business was concluded he would happily join us for a cup of builders tea and talk football, whist sitting on a milk crate or stack of materials. He truly connected and left his mark on each and everyone of us.

We were devastated when we heard the sad news. Our heart’s go out to his family for their loss. Chris will forever remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Shaun and all at Regency

Dearest Chris,

Our families came together through Robert and Lauren’s union. You were clearly a loving, wonderful, genuine person. You made it easy for us to enjoy your company. We feel honoured to have spent such a special time with you and Nicky just before your passing. We take comfort knowing Lauren is marrying into such a special, loving family that you and Nicky raised.

We will miss you Chris. Rest in peace.

We are heartbroken and send our love and condolences to all the family.

Tim, Hayley and Molly xxx

Chris I can’t believe you are gone,
Like the Cornwall sun, your warmth always shone.
You made me feel welcome from the very start,
With your funny jokes, smile and really kind heart.
Your silly handshake always made my boys smile,
They loved chatting to you for many a while.
Football and cricket were our favourite debates,
In Woolacombe we would sit with a drink til late.
I will miss you Chris, life won’t be the same,
But I’ll try and watch at least one Rovers game.

Becki Sloggett

I was so sad to here of your passing. As a fellow goalkeeper I look forward to having a game with you in heaven! Nicky, Sophie and I are thinking of you during this sad and difficult time.

Duncan McCreddie

Chris was such a lovely and special man. I am honoured to have known him and been able to share many years of friendship and family times together. Chris was a man of God. He lived out Christian values which are also the Asha Values – dignity, generosity, joy, justice, simplicity, gratitude, compassion, optimism, non violence, empowerment…. he supported the Drop-in each week and played chess with James, (which they both loved) – James always says that Chris let him win, but Chris would say the same about James …who knows? Chris was just always generous with his time and made James and everyone feel like they were winners!! Having Chris and NIcky for supper was easy as Chris would say..”Can we have fish fingers, chips and beans”… I’m so glad that we have memories and photos stored – how comforting they are in sad times and as we remember our lovely friend.

Heather Brown

To my uncle Chris, where to start. Your bear hugs, smile and laughter at your own jokes will be what I miss most.

You are the complete opposite of my loud, feisty self. I have always respected and admired your quiet confidence and discipline. You never said a bad word about anyone and always thought before you spoke. I loved your non judgemental attitude and consistent calm presence, even when me, my siblings and mostly the Grady children would storm in drunk in the early hours of the morning without any consideration for you being in bed!

You worked so hard for our family business and always put your family first.

I still can’t get my head around the fact that you are gone. You were such a big presence without being loud or imposing. To say you will be missed is an understatement. There is a hole in our family that will never be filled.

But in your absence, I will always remember you and laugh, drink and be happy that I had such an incredible uncle.

My last memory of you was in Devon this year, you came to my apartment with Nicky and my parents. We drank and played ‘Dobble’ which you proceeded to interfere with on every round and we’re laughing hysterically at Nicky’s continued dismay, finally resulting in your throwing all the cards off the table. It brings me peace knowing how happy and full of life you were in that moment, with a good beer in your hand of course.

My heart breaks and I love you so much. I can’t imagine what my amazing cousins, aunt are going through.

But I know, as the crazy chaotic family we are, we will stick together and celebrate you being in our lives.

You were taken too soon but I thank God that you were out on the water that day, where you were happiest.

Rest with God Uncle Chris, until we see you again xxx

Alex Capitani

Although I didn’t know Chris all that well, I could expect a phone call and card on my birthday every year without fail. He would always make the time to take an interest in all the goings on in my life. Chris came across as a genuine and caring person, who I know will be missed by all who knew him. I certainly couldn’t have asked for a better Godfather!

Ben Wright

My late dad (Liam Seymour) would share over the years a Guinness or two with Chris at many family gatherings. More recently, we met up with Chris at our dads funeral where Chris was remembered as being personable, funny & kind with all who chatted with him. He recounted many stories that his mum Nancy had told him about our dad & Chris was generous with his compliments at such a devastating time for our family.

My mum Theresa would like to say how sorry she is for your loss, he was taken too soon & she will remember him fondly.

Our sincere condolences to you all.

God bless & RIP

Theresa Seymour & Family xxx

Chris was such a lovely family man. Always there for his family, his friends and anyone in need. We are so very sorry for your loss.

Sending all our love

Jan and Hardy

Just such a wonderful man! His love for his family was obvious and he seemed to extend that love and kindness to everyone he met. He was just one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. I will never forget Chris and Andy up on the stage at St Stephens school hall on karaoke night singing along to a heavy metal song…there was no stopping them. I will miss Chris so much but I’m so glad I knew him, a gorgeous man. Xx

Esther Hardy

I used to walk to school with Gem most mornings when we were kids. We did ballet together, we went on holidays, we went to our first nightclubs, I was a bridesmaid at her Wedding and we had babies around the same time. I have gotten to know and adore the Grady clan over the years and will absolutely miss Chris’ presence at future gatherings. Chris always made me feel so welcome and never forgot to say goodbye – he even ran out to my car to give me a big hug the last time I left them in Cornwall.

We will miss you deeply Chris. All our love and support to the Grady’s

Grace & Ross (Poldark)

Chris was incredibly special and I’m thankful to have known him and his kindness and humour. Getting to know him through you Nicky with PACT and then at generator and more recently at drop-in. I always liked to see him – always smiling with a twinkle in his eye, real, relaxed. I used to think Nicky was the chatty one until I saw Chris at drop-in taking away easily to the guests making them at ease and just being himself. He was remembered too for playing chess with James, talking football with Chris, talking about Ireland with Ryan, to name a few. The guests and team at drop-in are shocked and saddened. He will be missed and remembered with much fondness. I’m thankful for Chris and his example of kindness and fun and the ease he put people at.

With love, thoughts and prayers,

Julie xx

I can only echo here what everyone else has already said. As a current Kew player and friend of Rob’s I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Chris a few times when he came down to watch us play or, even better, when he was giving up his time to referee us. Chris almost seemed too nice to be a ref, but this was a strength of his – he would get none of the abuse other referees got because of his kind and gentle nature. He gained the respect of the players without having to raise his voice. The only exception was when he would give Rob a telling off for yet another foul! It was a pleasure to share a pitch with him and I’m glad I got to do so one final time this summer. A true Kew legend and a lovely, generous man who put others first. RIP Chris

Raf Tuffin

I’ve had the pleasure to be Charlie’s closest friend and ‘musical husband’ for the best part of 15 years. Throughout that time Chris showed his unwavering support and enthusiasm for our music. Whether it be lugging Charlie’s amp and guitar case from the car to band practice or offering his roadie services on a full time basis Chris was always there for us. I’ll never forget the moment he showed up to our show at The Half Moon in Putney in a t-shirt reading ‘I’M WITH THE BAND’ – he took on legendary status ever since. Another of my memories include a 16 year old me and Charlie turning up drunk. I remember well Chris carrying me up the stairs and laying me to bed where i awoke the next morning embarrassed and worse for wear, Chris wasn’t angry though he just met me with a smile. That’s the thing that always was apparent with Chris, his totally infectious enthusiasm, whenever I had conversation with him I felt better for it. There are very few people who I can say that about. I can’t imagine the pain you guys are going through and I hope you know Charlie is family to me, so you all are too.

Kit Lusted

I first met Chris through his Uni friend, Steve Dark, at the Oval a cple of decades ago and then probably every other year at the same venue, usually both with beers in hand. Imagine my surprise when (having relocated our property business to Hampton) I found him to be our virtual neighbour. So, on average once a week for the past 5 years, our paths would cross either on the way to The Jolly Coopers, the cafe, Waitrose or the Hampton Post Office; we would always discuss the same things, Bristol Rovers, Footie in general, commercial property, the market in general and happy families. Apart from Covid I never heard Chris say a bad word about anything, his smile was infectious and he was a truly genuinely delightful bloke never complaining even when a couple of days before he passed he finally admitted to me, outside the sandwich shop, that Lionel Messi probably wouldn’t be turning out for Rovers this season but he had a strong feeling that Ronaldo was more than likely in the frame.

Walking up the road hoping to bump into Chris was a great part of the day, I will miss him.

Andrew Cole

Dearest, lovely Chris, a truly special man with a heart of gold – kindness in every part of his being. We feel honoured and fortunate to have had him as our friend for over 30 years – those jokes said with those twinkly blue eyes and gorgeous smile , enormous bear hugs that engulfed you, his passion for football and beer, his ability to make everyone feel at ease and his humble and self effacing manner that endeared him to all.

Always looking out for others and being interested in everyone he met was a gift and we were lucky to have known that generosity of spirit over the years.

We will miss you but hold onto the memories and know you are not far as you will continue to live on in your amazing four children and will be beside them and watching on with pride and love as you always did.

Carl & Caroline

An honour to have met Chris, treasured brother to our very special friend Cath, beloved uncle of Melisa and Cath. Loved so much by all his family, such a loss. Love to all the Grady family. With love from

Brenda, Bob and family xxx

Chris was a great godfather, I spent a lot of time growing up around his house and I remember his terrible cheesy jokes! Just thinking about them still brings a smile to my face. As well as that my annual phone calls on my birthday with him and Nicky singing happy birthday! As I got older and more recently seeing him on his runs whilst I’m walking the dog or seeing him in the pub and having a catch up. He always was so interested in what I was doing and supportive! Just generally such a lovely, caring guy and he will be missed! Rest in Peace X

David Wood

MY PERFECT(-LY HUMAN) COUSIN
With a shocked and broken heart, condolences to all the Teddington/Bristol based Grady clan…

To Nicky, Gemma/Danni/Robert/Charlie, and Jimmy, John, Tony and Catherine and all their partners and children, and all that worked and socialised with Chris.

From myself and all the Sullivan’s in Bristol via Co. Kerry.

1970s
As a second cousin in Bristol Chris’s name has always been in my orbit. He was in my brother’s class all throughout school, but I first really knew him in 6th form in the 1970s. -Where he devilishly straddled worlds by being Head Boy AND being an active member of “the 6th Form Popular Front”. – a rabble of left leaning working class, catholic, Irish + Italian teens meeting under a giant Che Guevara poster. Even then he had the inclination to put the world ” Right”. Then it took the hilarious form of outrageous manifestos of wealth distribution, hit lists of right wing despots (and Bristol City Fans) and Commandeering various pupils bicycles and personal possessions for the oncoming “Revolution”. All loosely based on Robert Lindsays TV Comedy show ” Citizen Smith”-Google it. Other “revolutionary” agenda items included up coming Elvis Costello and Thin Lizzy concerts, the annual 6th Form party, & anything blue & white quarters related.

1980s
We found ourselves as brothers in arms again in London in the 1980s, as we both became Chartered Surveyors with “Swede Basher” Bristol accents (and both being sons of Men who were raised as Farmers and worked as Labourers, in rural Co. Kerry and urban Bristol respectively).- More straddling of worlds. In London the agenda was modified slightly towards – Surveying/Good Jokes/Girls/Pogues/Elvis Costello/Beer/Bad Jokes/ Football/and more girls. Sometimes we would forget to get the numbers of the girls we were trying to impress because we got too engrossed with making them laugh.

On Joke quality & In Chris’s defence -He could hold his own with my two mates who were our college’s main comedians. One was Bolton’s 1980s version of today’s Peter Kay, and the other was just like Rowan Atkinson. Chris would go head to head with both of them, joke for joke for hours. The rest of us were rolling around laughing until we fell off our chairs. The Dad jokes only came out at the very end when we were all ejected after last orders.

I moved into Chris’s old flat in Herne Hill and we were planning to buy a flat together at one stage, but then Nicky made him a better offer.
Chris and Nicky then married and had 2 of their 4 children as I renovated my flat and prepared for World Travel. We still saw each other a lot living nearby just along the Thames. I remember Chris and Nicky’s flexibility in responding to Gemma and Danni’s different characters as tiny tots.

1990s
Chris and Nicky visited me in Sydney and we had a great time exploring together.

I last saw Chris in 2014 at our Aunt Mary’s funeral in Bristol.

Chris was like my favourite films, funny, and serious, and everything in between making a huge landscape of experience to explore and experience. He was also reliable, generous, trustworthy faithful, grounded, and as daft as a brush and as honest as the day is long. Scratch that – he was about all my favourite things in life.

I always found it easy to dream big with Chris – becoming Surveyors, childhood memories of watching Rovers win the Watney Cup against 1st Div. Sheffield Ltd. in 1972. Our Goalkeeper hero’s saves winning it for us in the 1st penalty shoot outs. Irish Bands being the best in the world -U2 /Pogues/Sinead O’Conner.

Bristol/Irish being the best identity in the world. Discussing the GF Agreement bringing peace to Ireland.

At the end of a long night out discussing the daft and serious aspects of the world, after we laughed til we cried, and metaphorically cried til we laughed, he would often quote the phrase from an Elvis Costello song and Pogues album “All we need is Peace, Love and Understanding”. A real human being who knew how to sit down equally comfortably with Prince’s and paupers.

My perfect Cousin Chris.

Love Dáithí​

Nicky has joked that Chris loved 3 things: football, beer and women – in that order! As someone in that third category, I am ever grateful for the quiet (and funny) messages of support and care Chris sent me through Nicky. I have been so blessed by the friendship of both of you in these recent years. Julian only met him 3 times but he left a great impression, not least for his hilarious story about … (not sure it’s appropriate here!)
Chris was one of life’s really good guys and I always loved the stories of him taking his kids swimming every Saturday, and cooking Sunday lunch, to give Nicky a break. A man who showed love through his actions.

I can’t imagine the hole he leaves in your family, but he leaves a wonderful legacy of a life well lived and a family well loved. Love to you all.

(Dear Chris, I am a fan! Love, Annette)

I have worked with Chris for the last 3 years as part of the accounts team at Sloggett Group, and have never met someone so jovial and welcoming as Chris. He would always have a chat with us first thing in the morning and just before leaving, making us smile and engaging us in conversations about all sorts of topics from football to Brexit. The Sloggetts office will never be the same again, as Chris has left such a huge void! May God continue to comfort all Chris’ family and friends.

Jeremy Caley

Our love goes to all of the Grady family who will miss Chris more than anyone can express in mere words. Chris was a man of fewer words than Nicky, but always a man of kind words. Fairly frequently, Chris stop for a chat as he walked past our front garden on the way home from work; he was never to busy to say hello.

Gone, way too early, but never to be forgotten.

Sarah Palamartschuk

There are around 170,000 words in the English language and none of them can be placed in any sequence to adequately describe the loss and gap that Chris no longer being with us has left. One of the kindest, sincerest, funniest, most loyal friends one could ever meet and with the consistent patience of a saint (not just for being married to Nicky, but certainly that was a test that lesser men would have failed).

I met Chris 26 years ago in St. Stephen’s on my first ever visit to the Church when I was at the experimental stage of religion. The dreaded moment came at the end of the service where my main goal was to escape unscathed, avoiding any contact with any handwaving parishioner, but Nicky and Chris spotted my slight mobility constraints and sensing easy prey, pounced and therein started one of the closest friendships I’ve ever had over many years. Chris’ evangelism that day near the door of the church centred on an evening in October 1984 when Bristol Rovers secured a draw against Arsenal in the league cup. He was very proud of this.

There are so many memories I have of Chris including a fabulous (or not so fabulous) rendition of ‘Stairway to heaven’ on the karaoke box at a church event – having both been dragged there by Nicky and us vowing there was no way we would take part – but then the second bottle of wine kicked in and up we went armed with one of my crutches each to perfectly strut the stage as Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones. Many years later, 2007, Chris and I both went to the one-off Led Zeppelin concert where it has to be said, the live version of Stairway probably eclipsed our own Karaoke version.

Comfort will be drawn from reminiscing of the many hilarious times enjoyed with Chris; days at the cricket, the pub, debating football, politics and if Nicky would ever be gainfully employed, listening to proper 70s rock music, watching his family grow up and being introduced to a wealth of other friends through the fabulously hospitable Grady and Sloggett family.

Chris – I will miss your wit, kindness, sound advice, nonjudgmental opinions and views of life delivered in that warm Bristolian voice amidst a myriad of other qualities that are rarely displayed in one person so consistently.

Enjoy the peace and quiet of heaven and we’ll do our best to keep Nicky on earth for as long as possible to give your ears a deserved rest before she arrives to join you.

Andrew Cornwell

It was with sadness and shock that I heard from Bill Barber of Chris’ sudden passing. I cannot imagine how tough this must be for Nikki and the entire Grady & Sloggett families.

I remember meeting Chris on my very first day at University where we swopped football stories from Bristol & Ipswich. (Chris had the better ones!) Chris always had a great story to tell and after University we briefly shared a madcap house in Haringey, London. My final memory of Chris was a typically happy one, meeting with University friends Bill, Goff, Steve, Keith, John and in December 2018.

Chris, we will miss your warmth, passion and ability to create laughter.

Martin Woods

I first met Chris at Reading University in 1979 where we both studied Land Management, and thus began a 40 year long friendship.
Imagine my surprise when one day a few years later, on my commute home in around 1984, I looked out of the train window at Teddington Station, to see my friend Chris Grady, walking down the platform hand in hand with another one of my friends, Nicky Sloggett who I had known from childhood, and holidayed together as families. (Relations between the Sneller and Sloggett dynasties go back well over 100 years!) The next day I rang Chris up to ask what was going on, and why he had not consulted me on this blossoming romance!

Since that time, Chris and Nicky have remained good friends of ours. Chris has also been a close business colleague, and we have worked together over the past 30 years. It has always been a great pleasure dealing with Chris, who was always totally honest and straightforward in his business dealings, and the regular lunches we would have together were always fun.

I feel privileged and blessed to have known Chris over the past 4 decades, and whilst there is great sadness we will not meet again in this world, I am greatly comforted by the knowledge that he was a man of true faith, who knew Jesus as his Lord and Saviour, and as a consequence, is now safe in His hands in a far better place.

Ian Sneller

Chris was a lovely gentle person, a true gentleman. His sense of humour was mischievous and ridiculous, but with jokes that never put you down, instead often laughing at himself. He had the ability to put you straight at ease and build you up. He always made my mother laugh and could make everyone have a soft spot for him. We will miss Chris.

Cynthia Sparks

The news of Chris’s death greeted me with shock, sadness and utter confusion. How could this happen to such a wonderful man? Each day that passes since receiving the news I find it hard to believe that it’s true.

I met Chris in his early twenties, soon after taking employment in his chosen profession. At the time I was recruiting young footballers for the RICS team (surveyors); Chris came forward with three mates, also Reading University students. His personality and enthusiasm shone like a beacon, traits that I continued to enjoy and admire for the best part of four decades.

Our paths crossed over that period for one reason and another and our interests were similar. Surveyors working in London trying to earn a crust, playing football for the RICS and later at Kew Association. Each of us making decisions to work locally to our family homes in South West London. We stayed in touch throughout, meeting now and again for a beer. (or two)
Football, including Bristol Rovers and Doncaster Rovers, featured every time as did sports generally. It was forever clear to me that family and friends came top of the pile for Chris and, in particular, Nicky and their children.
I will remember Chris for his smile, generous nature, a person more than happy to give back more than he received and an absolute family man.
Chris, I will continue to miss you.
My deepest sympathy to Nicky, their children and family.

Steve Higgins

Only just heard of Chris’ passing and was deeply saddened. I played alongside Chris at Kew AFC on many occasions during the 80’s and enjoyed many a beer afterwards in the bar.

It was always a delight to spend time with Chris – he was always upbeat and clearly enjoyed life- a genuinely nice guy.

I haven’t seen Chris for years but his passing had still made an impact on me. That’s because he was such a great guy.

My thoughts are with his family- he was clearly loved.

Best wishes

Andy Gibson

Chris once said to me ‘If I was to die today, I would die a happy man’. When he was saying this statement, he did so with a sense of acceptance, seriousness and above all contentment.
A natural question to ask is ‘why?’ and for this question I do not have the answer. The answer though, I believe not to be important. What is important however, is the legacy that Chris left behind and what we can do going forward to make Chris proud through acts of goodness, kindness and love towards one another.
Chris had so many incredible characteristics that made him the honourable man he was. He was funny, loving, positive, honest, humble, genuine, generous, encouraging, relaxed and content with his life. There are some traits he had, that no one I have ever met has been able to compete with him on. These traits are his ability to make the vulnerable feel welcome and valued, his ability to always see the positive and turn negatives into a smile through one of his famous jokes. Most of all, I never once heard him judge another person, something everyone I know falls short on, but not him, not Chris Grady.
As his nephew, Chris was a major role model in my life. Not just because he was my uncle but because of who he was. His actions always outweighed his words. Something that I have always struggled with, but not him, not Chris Grady.
Now he is no longer with us in human form, he will be missed greatly by many. The warmth, positivity and love that radiated off him will be impossible to replace. With this, naturally a sense of sadness follows; however, for me after this emotion comes an overwhelming sense of blessing. Blessing that I had the privilege in getting to know Chris, spend time with Chris and also learn from him in how he lived his life.
Many people have been blessed to have known and spent precious time with Chris. I feel even more blessed still to have had him as my uncle. I could only imagine how blessed it must feel to have had him as a brother, father or husband.
Despite him no longer physically being here, I believe that his essence and spirit remain living through all those close to him. Not even death itself can part us from Chris’s influence through the memory of his unconditional loving nature. This is how impactful he was, our Chris Grady.
John 3:16 ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’
If, in my life, I can have the same impact on my friends and family that Chris has had on his, I too will die a happy man.
I can’t wait to be with you again.

From your proud nephew.
Sebastian

We were shocked and sadden to learn of Chris’ passing and would like to convey on our condolences to all of Chris’ family, friends and work colleagues, from the Director Alyson and staff at K T Fire Protection Ltd.
We never had the privilege of meeting Chris, but he was always a pleasure to work with, over the past 20+ years.

Alyson Veryard