Snowy Green. Photo courtesy of 3-1-5 Health Club.
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 …….