Official West Hartlepool RFC

The club lost one of its great characters today with the passing of Geoff Hainsworth at the age of 82 after a short illness.
A proud Yorkshireman he was held in the highest regard by the hundreds of pupils he taught at Manor. On his retirement he spent three years sailing his yacht T’Early Bird round the world while keeping up with West’s results.
He became club secretary and made many friends at clubs throughout the north - he always got the first pint from our hosts.
The players even made up a song which was invariably sung when the returning coach got to Sapper’s Corner - “We’re All Going To Geoff’s House” - Corinne would not have been too pleased.
Our thoughts are with her, Andrew, Vicki and Chris and his grandchildren.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 20/12/2020 22:08 by davepicken.

Awful news, Geoff was a smashing bloke and will be missed by and thoughts are with his family at this sad time



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 20/12/2020 21:16 by aquinn.

So sorry to hear of Geoff’s passing. He will be greatly missed by all his many friends at West . My condolences to Corrine and family.

He was a super larger than life character, fantastic in a quiz, profoundly witty , just a super guy.
God bless RIP

So sorry to hear this. Geoff was truly a larger than life character. Sincere condolences to the family and friends.

Absolutely Gutted, Geoff was fantastic company, I could listen to his stories for hours and did so many a time on long trips back from away games. We have lost a good un, RIP Geoff.

Condolences to all the family.

Very sad news indeed, he was a real Character with lots of stories to tell. He will be greatly missed.

Deepest sympathy to all the family

Sincere condolences to Geoff's family and friends at West from all at Rovers.

Just received the following message from Jonty Groves

"Just heard the very sad news about Geoff. Thoughts are with friends and family from all at Horden and Peterlee RFC where Geoff used to enjoy his visits - Jonty"

Incredibly sad news. Godfrey (Geoff)was a great and treasured friend who Christine and I will miss greatly.
Our heartfelt sympathies to Corrine and family. Smurray



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 22/12/2020 10:09 by davepicken.

So the Sun has sunk below the Yard Arm - Very sad.

Condolences & thoughts to Geoff's Family - Stand Fast Andy (Stan) - No Surrender Friend. Lester.

More terribly sad news I’m afraid.
Corinne Hainsworth also passed away this morning - Andrew says “she’s reunited with the Gateman.”

I don't know what else to say :-(

SO SO sad 2 friends, so sorry for the family, lost for words. Stuart and Christine



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 27/12/2020 20:32 by davepicken.

The funeral of Geoff and Corinne Hainsworth will take place at Stranton Crematorium at 10:30 am on Thursday 14th January 2021. The cortege will leave Strathmore House at 10:15 am.

Unfortunately only thirty people are allowed to attend the service in person INSIDE but there will be a screen OUTSIDE for those who wish to brave the elements. Sadly not all of our family can be there so we totally understand those who are not able to attend.

Covid is causing great disruption and we are extremely sorry that we are unable to hold any sort of social event afterwards. We would like to host a Celebration of their lives in the summer when we hope Covid restrictions will have eased. We shall announce details later in the year once the situation improves.

We would like to thank you all for your many kind texts, emails, cards and phone calls. It has been a great comfort to us all knowing how much Geoff and Corinne meant to so many people.

Geoff and Corinne supported many charities over the years and in lieu of flowers we would like donations sent to
The NSPCC or Guide Dogs for the Blind or The Alice House Hospice or Macmillan nurses.


Andrew, Vicky and Chris and family

All of Geoff's former teaching colleagues at Manor are to hold a minute's silence next Thursday.

We shall be live streaming the service across the internet.

Details will be posted here.

For those of you who would like to follow the Funeral service online here are the details:


Website www.obitus.com/
Username Male5196
Password 838182



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/01/2021 17:24 by davepicken.

Saw it online and was a really nice service! You did your parents proud

Yes, well said Andy - Ditto.

Stand Fast "Stan" - No Surrender Big Man !

PS - I'm pretty sure that I have also had trouble with that same Ghillie up on Loch Maree - Big chap in a Tweed Suit if I'm not mistaken ??