It is with great sadness that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has to report on the death of Graham Wilson, long time hockey correspondent of the United Kingdom's Daily Express newspaper and a regular reporter at FIH events. He was 63 years old, and died on Saturday (20 February) after a short illness.
Graham was one of the most liked and well-respected hockey journalists around, and over the years played a massive role in raising the profile of the sport in the United Kingdom.
Following his retirement from the Daily Express after 30 years as a sub-editor last year, Graham became Chairman of the UK Hockey Writers’ Club, which serves the interests of journalists, broadcasters and photographers covering the sport.
In December, FIH reported on the death of Tom Wilson after a freak hockey accident. Graham was Tom’s father. In the days immediately following the incident, Graham produced the bravest and most difficult news stories of his life for The Daily Express, reporting the loss of his 'fantastic son' to the sport that he loves.
Both Graham and his wife Lisa made a number of appearances on TV and radio discussing organ donation, praising Tom’s decision to sign up to the UK’s organ donor register whist at university and potentially saving the lives of 20 people in desperate need of an organ transplant.
Posting to Facebook on Sunday (21 February), Graham’s daughter Pippa said: “I remember when you had to report the passing of your own son, Tom Wilson, my brother. It was such an admirable tribute. I cannot believe 2 months today after Tom's funeral I am now in the same situation. Tom was the perfect brother, you were the most perfect father.”
Speaking about his death, FIH President Leandro Negre said: "Graham devoted a huge part of his life to our sport, both as a player and as a renowned journalist. His commitment and passion for hockey helped inspire many, many people to get involved in our sport - and for that we are forever grateful. The hockey family is both shocked and saddened at the news of his death, so soon after his son Tom passed away late last year. We offer of deepest sympathy to Graham’s family and close friends at this extremely difficult time. His spirit will live on in the work he undertook for the sport and all of the fond memories we have of him. He was a great man and will be truly missed by all.”
The Hockey Writers’ Club and England Hockey were both quick to pay tribute to Graham, describing him as a man with “a lifelong commitment to hockey as a player, supporter and journalist. He made an immeasurable contribution to keeping the flame of hockey alive in the national press through his regular writings for the Daily Express.”
Former Great Britain and England Goalkeeper Simon Mason said: “So very sad to read about the passing of Graham Wilson, father of tragic hockey accident victim Tom. Graham was a lovely man who I was privileged to call a friend. He did so much for hockey, the sport so many of us love. Passionate, energised and caring, he loved the hockey family and was never happier than when at the heart of a tournament or event. He will be sorely missed and my thoughts are with his family at this time.”
FIH Media Coordinator Richard Stainthorpe added: “Graham really was one of the good guys and this is terrible news for his family and everyone who knew him. He was warm, funny, talented and always on the hunt for a good story. He was a mentor and friend, and the hockey media community is undoubtedly a far poorer place without him in it.”
The Daily Express newspaper has published their own tribute to Graham, entitled: “The greatest journalist for our sport: Hockey correspondent Graham Wilson dies aged 63”. To read the article in full, click here.