It is with great sadness that we report the death of Graeme Bushell (Wing Commander Ret'd OBE) who passed away at home on Friday 23rd June 2017, aged 95 years, surrounded by his family. He will be sorely missed by his children Anna and Roderick, his grandchildren Alistair and Zoe and all of his many friends.
Graeme, along with his wife Jean were long standing residents of Hargrave and were both held in high regard by anyone who knew them. They both took part in village activities and were active members of the local St Edmunds Church.
Jean died in 2012 at home in Hargrave aged 84 years. She was greatly missed by us all but particularly by Graeme. We hope they are together again now.
Graeme was awarded the OBE in 1963 for his achievements in the RAF where he ended his career as Wing Commander at RAF Stradishall. Graeme being such a humble man rarely talked about his OBE and almost dismissed it as being gained through "Other Buggers Efforts" and that is what the initials OBE stood for in his eyes.
Graeme was always a keen cyclist and has cycled all over the world. I believe that after leaving the RAF he took his bike to New Zealand and cycled most of the way round both North and South Islands.
Such was his enthusiasm that a few people in Hargrave joined him on a regular cycle ride and formed the group affectionately known as "Bushell's Babes". The group of up to 6 or 7 took part in cycle rides, sometimes as far as 25 miles, but always included a pub lunch and the grueling ride home afterwards. When we were nearing the end of our ride and were tackling the final hill back up into Hargrave we were taunted by the sight of a 92 year old Graeme dissappearing over the top of the hill, leaving us "youngsters" well behind.
During the funeral service, Graeme's bicycle stood in pride of place near the church door suitably decorated with flowers and vegetables.
