Jeff Whitehead

Saturday 28th February 2009 12:46 pm (first posted 26th February 2009)

We are sad to announce the death of Jeff Whitehead, poet, karate master, stalwart of Write Out Loud and Bank Street Writers. He died peacefully in the Bolton Hospice on Wednesday evening, 25th February, and will be much missed by all his friends in poetry.

Please note: Family flowers only but the family ask that donations be made to Bolton Hospice

The funeral arrangements are as follows:
Tuesday 3rd March 2009 - 12:45pm
East Lancashire Crematorium (Radcliffe Crematorium)
off Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe.

Jeff's son Darren says to all WOL members who knew his dad, "You would be more than welcome to attend."

Anyone who needs a lift - email paul@writeoutloud.net

Here's Jeff's award winning poem "The Purpose"

The Purpose

He is:
The tree with one branch
The first
The last drop of rain
Life before death
After death
Thought
Without thought

The breeze wove into him
He wove into the breeze
Like
Am apparition
Weaving through the forest
Wispy beard
Drooping eyes
Staff
White ankle length robe
Swishes over rock
His feet slide over a bed pebbles
Waves spew and splash
He kneels before the rock
The original faceless face

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Comments

<Deleted User> (5763)

Sat 28th Feb 2009 11:27

I knew Jeff through his writing, and through some wise words of advice he gave me when I was going through a bad time. Thank you Jeff.

Darren Whitehead

Fri 27th Feb 2009 10:07

Thank you all so much for your kind words. It is heartwarming to see that my dad was held in such high regard.

Of course, many of you knew my dad as a poet and as one of the many characters that attended a variety of WOL events. Prior to his writing, however, my dad had a very colourful history with his Martial Arts achievements and work.

He has also been an absolutely fantastic father to me and a wonderful devoted husband to my mum.

Our lives are so much duller without him in it and he will be sadly missed by us both.

I feel it is testament to his spirit that he continued to attend Write Out Loud when he could, despite his ongoing battle with cancer.

Thank you all, once more, for your support.

My dad's funeral arrangements are as follows:

Tuesday 3rd March 2009 - 12:45pm
East Lancashire Crematorium (Radcliffe Crematorium)
off Ainsworth Road
Radcliffe.

You would be more than welcome to attend.

Regards,

Darren Whitehead.

Pete Crompton

Fri 27th Feb 2009 09:07

Thinking of Jeff and his son, will be missed.
Everyones gonna miss you Jeff!
I'm sure I speak for us all.

Tony Walsh

Thu 26th Feb 2009 20:09

I was really sad to hear this news. Jeff was a lovely fella and it was always nice to see him and to hear his poetry at WOL.

My very best wishes go to Darren and all of Jeff's family and friends.

Seamus Kelly

Thu 26th Feb 2009 18:32

Jeff was always really supportive and I admired the work he had done with youngsters as well as his poetry. We'll all miss him. My sincere sympathies to Darren and his family.

Val Cook

Thu 26th Feb 2009 16:54

We can remember him only that he has gone.
Or we can cherish his memory and let it live on.
Jeff Whitehead will be sadly missed.
Deepest Sympathy to the family and friends he loved.

Gemma Lees

Thu 26th Feb 2009 13:58

My deepest sympathies to Darren and the rest of Jeff's family.

The poetry community's thoughts are with you at this sad time.

A top bloke and poet, Jeff will be sorely missed.

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Jeff Whitehead

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