Tributes have flooded in after a charismatic squash player and coach known for his sport equipment shops died suddenly while on holiday in Spain.
Graham ‘Snowy’ Green was a larger-than-life figure at squash clubs all over the Lancaster and Morecambe area for more than 40 years.
Snowy was a major part of the local teams who play in the county squash leagues, becoming a top player in the district during the 1980s boom period for the game.
He also opened 'Snowy Green Sports' shops, selling sport equipment and clothing at outlets all over the North West.
Social media was full of tributes to Snowy, who was described as “a great sportsman, great company and a lovely bloke”, "a fantastic, good natured and excellent coach, very encouraging and generous with his time" and “a one-off…the world of squash has lost one of its true advocates.”
His daughter Laura said: "He was a legend. There will only ever be one Snowy Green, there will never be another like him."
Graham Green was born in Chelmsford, Essex, moving to Lancaster as a baby.
He got the nickname 'Snowy' at school, because of his lightly-coloured hair, and it stuck throughout his life.
Snowy lived on Bulk Road in Lancaster growing up, and went to Skerton High School.
He was a huge fan of music, particularly loving Northern Soul.
Snowy was an all-round sportsman who was also a keen footballer in his younger days. He also played cricket and tried his hand at boxing.
His first job on leaving school was at Lancaster and Morecambe Newspapers, who he worked for as a proof reader.
During his working life Snowy also worked as a barman in pubs, which he loved, and had his own property business, including flats near The Battery.
He took up squash in the 1970s and played all over the North West.
‘The Snowman’ was a familiar face on the squash courts at the Vale of Lune, Lancaster University and 3-1-5 Health Club, and popular venues of the past such as Concorde Club, VVV/Teal Bay and Morecambe Squash Club near the old Christie Park football ground.
He also helped to run the Preston and District Squash League for many years.
Snowy opened sport shops on the corner of Central Drive/Euston Road and on Lancaster Road in Morecambe. He also had shops at Concorde Club and in Kendal, and would travel all over the North West selling his sports gear.
In recent years, he bought a lodge at Capernwray near Carnforth, and loved it there.
He also became a big part of the team at the 3-1-5 Health Club in Lancaster.
Deena Gillan, manager at 3-1-5, said: “He was just a massive character.
“I’ve known him since I was about four years old. It’s left such a hole at the club. He was part of the furniture here.”
Deena said that when 3-1-5 opened in 2013, they were originally going to remove the squash courts. But then Snowy arrived with other ideas!
He set up four squash teams at the club, a table tennis league, as well as a 'squash school of excellence' for adult and junior players, and also had his own squash equipment and racket restringing shop at the Caton Road facility, all while continuing to play his beloved game himself.
“You could always hear him laughing,” said Deena.
“He would sit in the lounge with his speakerphone on, on the phone to his daughter Laura, or watching videos on YouTube for hours with the volume on full, laughing at them.
“He had two catchphrases. He’d always say ‘Trust me’ and ‘Keep boasting’ (referring to) the squash shot called ‘the boast’. He had that on his T-shirts and he’d write it on every single birthday card.
“These are the little things we will all miss. It’s just really really sad.”
The club has placed a book of condolence in the foyer and has invited people who knew ‘The Snowman’ to write a message in his memory.
Snowy passed away while on holiday with his daughter Laura in Benidorm last week.
Here is Snowy pictured with Laura.
Laura has set up a fundraising page to help bring her dad home from Spain for his funeral.
"He was my best friend and we did everything together," she said.
"He was a legend. There will only ever be one Snowy Green, there will never be another like him.
"I miss my dad so much and want to get him home as soon as I can.
“I want him to have the best send off.
“Any amount is appreciated and I will let you all know funeral arrangements at a later date. We just need him home.”
More than £4,300 had been raised at time of writing.
The 'Bring Snowman Home!' fundraising page can be found here.
Laura thanked everyone for their support and their donations. She also thanked Gaz and Jodie for helping her set up the page, and Brenda and Ann for looking after her after her dad's sudden passing.
Thank you to Laura Green, Brenda Cambridge, Ann Waterhouse and Deena Gillan for their help compiling this article.
Lancaster remains best university in North West England in Complete University Guide
'Music with the Mayor' initiative launched to support North Lancashire’s Citizens Advice
DIARY: Beyond Radio presenter fighting cancer continues his '60 Before 60' challenge
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
Mother and son unveiled as new Lancaster mayoral team
New police and crime commissioner for Lancashire begins role
Morecambe homeless man jailed after admitting criminal damage
Firefighters tackle fire at flat in Morecambe
Lancaster youth charity awarded £221,400 towards vision for 'creative youth space' in city
Tennis club near Lancaster unveils new courts after £50,000 fundraising campaign
INTERVIEW: Highest Point chief 'proud' of lineup for 2024 festival
Highest Point festival stage times: all you need to know
