Lacy Anderson, died 18 November 2011 age 83

Thursday 1 December 2011

Today we gathered at Cambridge Crematorium for the funeral of Lacy Anderson.
There were many of us there; a tribute to a man who played a huge part in my life and, of course, in the lives of many others through his association with angling, cricket, the entertainment world and the British Legion. This was a celebration of his life, we heard just a snap shot of it from his Australian friend and priest – and yes, his name was Bruce! Fantastic....we learnt about his love of family and friends, his charity work and we listened to his music.

I first met Lacy over 40 years ago. I sat on my little box outside our gate clutching my rod and reel, waiting anxiously for Lacy’s brother Percy to pick me up and take me to a fishing match. A sparkling clean yellow car drew up and out got this immaculately dressed stocky version of Percy. “You must be Graham?” Lacy boomed in his characteristically chirpy manner. “Now Myyyyyy brother has sent me to collect you because that's my brother.” Now that phrase would be regularly used by Lacy throughout his life, and because of the brotherly relationship they had it was fitting that the priest weaved into his tribute of Lacy. Yes Lacy would look up to the sky shake his head and say “that's my brother!” when our Codshead (Percy) cocked up. So from the age of twelve I've had the benefit of two mentors, Lacy and Percy, and I count them as lifelong friends.

They were chalk and cheese. Lacy, always immaculately dressed, articulate, funny and correct was an administrator. Percy.. ermmm.. scruffy, less articulate, not always funny but.... correct, well he would tell you so. Percy called me Son and the poet, Lacy called me Graham; both would always call me and ask after my family. One would proceed to tell me off, the other would give me advice. Now guess which was which.

Some might ask: “how come, Tweedy, you haven’t had counselling and all that?” Considering the extreme character of my mentors I confess that it would be a fair point! I can only say that I had the benefit of Lacy giving me guidance on administrative and management matters; only two weeks ago we had an hour long chat and I received some wise words. I can truly say Lacy helped me gain status in the angling world, and also helped me achieve a senior position in my working life.

There was also Percy, though, and he was the one who recognised something in this shy little boy that would lead me to become the youngest president of CFPAS. He taught me to be a pimpernel: he taught me to look for the angle, to achieve. Lacy taught me to be correct and take a true path. They both taught me not to be beaten and if down to get up and try again. How could I fail?

I truly miss them both.

Graham Tweed - President CFPAS Ltd.