Jul 27 2015
Norman Absolom
It is with great sadness that, following a short illness, on Saturday 11th July, Norman Absolom passed away whilst on holiday in Spain at the age of 77.
Norman’s first love was sailing and he became a member of Thorpe Bay Yacht Club in 1969 when he purchased his first Mirror dinghy and joined the fast growing Mirror fleet. Racing was always very close against the Johnson’s, Bristow’s, Paul Weeden, Nigel Campling, Ronnie Barnes to name but a few. In the mid 70’s, Norman also owned a couple of cruisers that were used for weekend’s away, family holidays and of course local club racing. In September 1980 he took delivery of his new pride and joy, a Mirage 28 he named Magnificent Obsession. She was cruised and raced regularly around the East Coast and the Continent for 34 years until last September when she, along with 13 other yachts, was hit by a commercial dredger in thick fog whilst moored at Medway Yacht Club and was written off.
Racing success over the years included club and open meeting victories, class wins in the Nore Race and numerous local trophy races. His favourite race of all time was the Thorpe Goodwin Race which he won twice overall. He particularly enjoyed the competition against Phil Crawford, Frank Coppins and Bob Walker.
Norman was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed by family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 11:20 hrs on Thursday 13th August at the Southend Crematorium.
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