Graeme Hurlbatt (Passed away 17 Nov 2023)

Your bench is ordered Bubba and will be carved and placed in your spot. 💙💙

Miss you every day, know you are here in every way. Love your Fisher 😘😘💙

I had the pleasure of playing with Graeme at Shat in 2002. He was the ultimate competitor and a true professional. He was very helpful and a warm person. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP

Thank you everyone for your kind words. X

Simply still lost for words.. A true gentleman and his sense of humour was to be admired. Always taking the piss, constantly smiling and laughing. When I first met you it was obvious why my baby Sis was smitten 💙.. The way you looked at her, total adoration. Nancy Noo loved her Uncle G too.. the connection between you and Noo was instant❤️. In fact it was that way with all who were lucky to have known you. Rest in Peace, free from pain. Watch over my Sis, catch you later x Suze x

We only knew him for a short time as his neighbour, but he would stop and have a natter with us and Steve and Graham would put the world to rights. We didn’t see the bare chest dancing- but we did see a man who loved Debs very much x

Graeme was a hero of mine. Watching him and Mabs steam in bowling bouncers as a kid made me want to play at Shat.

It was my immense pleasure to captain him on his return to England having left Zim rather urgently!

He was an absolute gent to me as a boy and as a man I loved playing with him, but what stood out to me was how forgiving and thoughtful he was to those who did him harm. He never held any grudges.

His spirit and never give in attitude is legendary, epitomised by the one time I tried to take him off with the game in the balance at Hall Bower. Needless to say, he took the wickets we needed and he always called his own spells over from that moment on! "FfS Shawzy, who is more likely to get the wickets than me"...indeed G.

Rest in peace
A legend and a hero
Grateful to have known you.

Graeme really was one of the best, he was a true gent. I couldn't have asked for a better manager and friend. He was always pushing you to do your best and never once would he have any doubt that you couldn't, he was always our biggest supporter.

From the first 5 minutes of meeting G he’d already thought of a nickname for me “shoeshine” and “Maybelline” for my pup Mabel who he really did have a soft spot for despite her barking and constantly wanting a stroke, they will will forever live on at Bluefin, along with the many nicknames he had for everyone.

Sending all my love to his family and friends, he is hugely missed by us all at Bluefin, but you will never be forgotten, we love you G. Rest in peace Xxx

G, We only knew you for a short time but from the moment we met, me and Jim both agreed that you were one of life's true gents. So sad that you have been taken so soon. Rest in peace xxx

Graeme was one of a kind; a larger than life character that lived a thousand lives and had a thousand stories to share. Graeme always believed in me, and was key to my development, both professionally and as a person. I’ll especially treasure our work trips to Europe together and sharing stories over a beer or three on an evening. He was a mentor and close friend to me, and I’m devastated that he will no longer be in my life. My thoughts go out to Debra and all the family x

Unsure how to follow Lisa and Sarah. This has without doubt been the one of the saddest times of my professional life. However, more than that personally, whilst I only knew Graeme for just over a year, I will sorely miss his presence. He was larger than life, good company, passionate about his team and I will miss our non work and work, in confidence, chats. My heart goes out to Debra and all those who loved him. Continue to shine bright Graeme, love Jane xx

I loved Graeme. He was and will always be a legend. He had nicknames for most people at work. He frequently called me Liseylou and in return he was Grey to me.. He was always positive, interested and we had a special connection being the oldies in the management team. I laughed at his banter, his phrases, his directness. He will eternally be missed and forever in my heart. Keep fishing, critiquing rugby, playing cricket and enjoying your heavenly life at the other side of the rainbow. Sending love to everyone that knew Graeme during this terribly sad time. Much love Lisa & Mark xxx

We are all still in such shock about Graeme's passing. He was such a character around the office, having time for everyone and making us laugh each & every day (his crazy nicknames for everyone will live on!). He was the biggest champion for his team, passionate, encouraging and was a true 'Team Bluefin'. Sending all our love to his family and friends.
Rest in peace G xx

Incredibly saddened to hear the news about the passing of Graeme, he will be sorely missed. Graeme was not only a colleague, but a friend that I had a huge amount in common with - I loved to chew the fat with him, sharing tales of our fishing adventures and hearing his stories from his previous life in Zim and South Africa. Graeme was one of the most interesting, hilarious and hardworking people I have ever met, he was a true legend who lit up our office daily with his positive and enthusiastic outlook on life. On behalf of Bluefin, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Deborah and her family during this difficult time.