"The Dude Abides"

As many of you know, my parents are extrememly talented in the field of music.  Unfortunately, that talent seems to have genetically avoided me.  My parents were also fairly athletic in their youth (at Southampton, dad played rugby and mom played both tennis & field hockey) but I've often wondered from whom I inherited my passion for sports.  My maternal grandfather was an avid sportsman, but unfortunately, I never knew him.  I knew even less about my paternal great-grandfather until I read the following account of his death in the local newspaper.

Snodland Mourns Fine Sportsman

Representatives of nearly every organization in Snodland were present at the funeral at Christ Church, Lower Birling, on Saturday of Mr. Frederick Charles Butcher, of the Groves, Snodland, who died the previous Monday, aged 62.  At the time of his death, Mr. Butcher was the captain of the Snodland Bowls Club, of which he had been a member for many years.  He was also a member and vice-president of the Snodland Cricket Club.  Mr. Butcher was first and foremost a sportsman, and his death has robbed many organizations in Snodland of a great supporter.
     At the memorial service a hushed congregation saw the Vicar battle with his emotions as a paid a pulpit tribute to his great friend.  After declaring "Joe was my friend," the Vicar hung his sorrow-lined face a few moments in a vain effort to regain his composure.  'Joe' Butcher, said the Vicar, had made a name for himself that was highly honoured.  He had contributed to the happiness and well-being of the time in which he lived.  As a sportsman he was known to many of them.  No one had ever seen him play and lose his temper.  He was always a good loser and always ready to congratulate the man who beat him.
     A full choir was present and Mr. Cecil Butcher, eldest son, was at the organ.  An unforgettable service ended with the hymn, "Abide with Me."

And now, over 70 years later, on an entirely different continent, his great-grandson is a high school bowling coach and can proudly say, "The dude abides!"