In memory of
Stephen Price
Stephen Price, our beloved Husband, Dad and Grandad sadly passed away on 2nd August aged 71, after a long and very brave battle with prostate cancer.
One of Stephen’s favourite sayings was ‘Everyday is Christmas’ and that’s how he embraced all elements of life; with an unbridled positivity and sheer enthusiasm that meant he made the most of, and appreciated, every single minute. So, in spite of a tough prognosis in 2012, with the prospect of limited time, he went on to fill another eight fantastic years and despite some big challenges along the way, lived some of his best days. It was only 18 months ago that he enjoyed his last skiing holiday with close friends and family and as usual he was first down the slope for lunch, table reserved, decent glass of red wine in hand!
Born in Castleford, Stephen met Mum when his parents became landlords of The Dragon Public House in Harrogate. Thirty years ago they moved south and spent the next twenty-three years living in Water Stratford, and for the last six years living in Silverstone. It was a marriage of almost 50 years and an incredible partnership that had it all – A truly romantic beginning, great adventures and new experiences, massive highs and a few lows, but above all they were the best of mates, always rubbing along well together, always there for each other.
Stephen spent his career in the food and drink industry, starting on the graduate training programme with Beecham (GSK), he worked up through sales management to several general management positions. For a ‘lad from Cas with only an HND from Ealing Tech’, his career achievements were outstanding, but most of all in business he was known for his positivity, wonderful warm character and supporting others to achieve their best.
Aside from family, Stephen’s big passions in life were football and horseracing. Watching his beloved Leeds battle for promotion back to the premier league having spent 16 years in the wilderness was all consuming in his final weeks and we are so very grateful that he was here to support them. Just four days before being admitted to hospital for the final time he was jumping up and down in front of the TV with mum when they were finally crowned champions.
Stephen’s interest in horseracing began soon after he was out of short pants, when he accompanied his Dad, Ernest, every week to one of the many race courses in Yorkshire. And racing became a tradition that Stephen carried to his own family, attending Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival every year, but the real highlight being our annual pilgrimage to the Arc at Longchamp in October, which combined racing with another of Stephen’s greatest loves – fine dining.
Stephen was a wonderfully positive, larger than life character, who naturally lit up any room and he has left his friends and family with so many wonderful memories. He believed that you make your own luck in life, that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it, and that yes, every day is Christmas. And he certainly practiced what he preached.
We love him dearly, will miss him hugely but take great comfort that his wonderful and generous spirit will be with us always.
XXX
Marching On Together (LUFC).