Chris Coffey RIP
Chris Coffey has died. We have lost a longstanding, respected and much loved Son of the Desert.
Chris founded the Bacon Grabbers Tent on 18th October 1989, based on Central Manchester and was the Grand Sheik for many years, until his health eventually prevented him from continuing. He also, in more recent times, founded the Big Noise Tent “to cater to the needs of housebound and disabled Sons everywhere.”
Make no mistake about it, Chris’s achievements were many. In 2008 he and his tent hosted a very successful UK Convention in Wigan (when the above photo was taken). Chris also played a role in bringing the International Convention to England in 2009.
One of Chris’s biggest achievements was founding the Laurel and HarDay in 1993, which became an annual event and which Chris spearheaded each year until his health started to fail. His eyes always lit up when he recalled bringing Ronnie Hazlehurst and his Orchestra to perform their Laurel and Hardy repertoire at one of the “Days”.
Chris had a vast collection of Laurel and Hardy movies, many on 16mm, which he was always willing to share with other Sons. He published dozens of newsletters and magazines and was a valued correspondent on Bowler Dessert and elsewhere.
We miss Chris and his dedication to Laurel and Hardy and the Sons of the Desert and we are grateful to have had him as a dear friend. Rest in peace, Chris.
Willie McIntyre