We are very sad to announce the death of our Chairman, Roy Harris, on Sunday June 29, 2025. Roy spent the last few days of his life sleeping peacefully, with family and friends able to come and say their final goodbyes. Roy was diagnosed with bowel cancer almost a year ago and his death came as a shock to everyone. Roy became a Trustee after the death of our son, Joseph in 2017. Soon after, he was elected as Chairman and remained in this position until the end of his life. He was a quiet and unassuming Chairman, allowing the more vociferous Trustees to express their opinions at meetings, but always intervening at the most pertinent time. He liked the meetings to run efficiently and would be happy to chivvy us along if he thought we had spent enough time on a particular point, with his characteristic ‘on, on’.
Roy did a lot more behind the scenes than anyone ever realised; he was a regular marshal at the 113 Triathlon events, often getting up at 4am to start his shift at 8am at Cotswold Water Park. He particularly liked the water station, where he could hand out drinks to the runners, hose them down on hot summer days and shout words of encouragement or even engage in some banter with other marshals.
He turned up for all events, from concerts to art exhibitions, auctions, football and cricket matches, presentations to students at Joseph’s former school, KES Stratford-upon-Avon and paid visits to some of the charities we supported. He was always willing to take a back seat and encourage others to take the limelight but never failed to pull his weight and contribute to the occasion. He organised his own event in 2021 and spent hours on the phone selling tickets and encouraging friends and work colleagues to take part in a clay shoot and auction shortly after lock-down during COVID. The event raised over £12,000.
Roy was very passionate about helping others and throughout his life he counselled people around him who needed support. He was a marvellous listener, compassionate and caring but not afraid to share some hard truths if he felt this necessary.
He had an extremely active career, starting his working life at the age of 16 and retiring 60 years later. He built up a very successful international grass seed company in the late 1980’s and ran the company until 2000. Latterly he most enjoyed being at home together with our dogs, chatting, reading, discussing the football results and pottering round the garden. Roy tended to his garden with great care and, given the time he invested in horticulture and outdoor activities, how befitting that his favourite colour was green (Newsletter Edition available here).
It was heartening to see the Trustees come together recently and to appoint Roy’s nephew, Josh Beer as Acting Chairman, who will no doubt follow steadfastly in Roy’s footsteps. We are delighted to welcome Niall Day-Sawyer as a Trustee. Niall has supported the Trust for many years with his design and technical expertise. Charlie continues to contribute to the success of the Trust with his business acumen, as do Dave and Esther, who are responsible for sports team events and social media respectively.
Roy’s family would like you to join them at Roy’s funeral, which will take place at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon on Friday July 25th at 1.30pm. There will be a further service, which you are welcome to attend at the Vale Crematorium, Evesham, WR10 2QR on Monday August 4th followed by refreshments at Stockland House, Low Road, Church Lench, WR11 4UH.
If you would like to make a donation, please use the above link.
Miranda Harris CEO.
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