In memory of Gee Ciampi

Death of Gee Ciampi.

From Elsie Whittle, neighbour and friend and others:

Many of you may already know, but Gee Ciampi very sadly passed away on January 2nd. He put up a valiant battle against pneumonia, but despite everyone assuming he was invincible, he sadly lost the fight, & passed away peacefully at Addenbrookes, surrounded by family and friends. He moved to Rampton about 20 years ago, & he leaves behind his partner Deb, who will need all our support. He will be much missed, & will be remembered with much love & affection, by very many people.

 (dated 15 January 2010)

 In the words of one of his friends:

"Irreplaceable is the only word I can find. They certainly broke the mould when they created him. He was what he was, he was unique.
There's a hole in all our lives that can never be filled but he will never be forgotten.
He's probably up in heaven now giving them hell and telling them where they went wrong!!!
RIP Gee xxx"

The gypsy wind, it called your name,

No time to say good-bye.

You left us here alone, old friend,

To take your final ride.

The world it couldn't tame your soul,

You lived your life with pride.

Now you soar free - like the crow,

You're on your final ride.

Your memory won't fade, old friend,

We'll hold you deep inside.

We'd come with you if, we only could,

Upon your final ride.

It's time to say so long, old friend,

As you take your final ride.

We'll keep you with us in our hearts,

If not riding by our side.

(anon)

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Gee and Deb helping at the Village Fayre in 2004

I remember the day Gee moved into the village.
 
The house has been sold!  A 'biker'' has bought it!  Oh my goodness the village is about to be invaded by big, hairy, noisy, arrogant biker types and their mates...NOT my opinion but certainly an opinion voiced at the time by some villagers!
 
I sat in my pub that night and in walked Gee, larger than life with a voice to match.  We chatted, I liked him from the word go, and what a cool man he was too.  Ever helpful, even down to helping keep the pub open at one point!
 
He will be missed.
 
Sleep in peace.
 

from Mandy (Carson) 17/1/2010