Roger Okill Has Passed Away
It is with great regret that we report the death of Roger Okill, in the Conquest Hospital, Hastings on Tuesday 13th September 2016, at the age of 83 having not been in good health for some months. The funeral will take place at Eastbourne Crematorium, Hide Hollow, Eastbourne, BN23 8AE on 4th October at 12.00 noon. No flowers please but donations to St. Michael’s Hospice, Queensway, St. Leonards on Sea TN38 9AG
In the 1950s Roger was introduced to lacrosse at Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School, becoming an enthusiastic attack player both in the school team and later for the Old Sedcopians, which he helped to form. On leaving school he went to London University where he studied law, following which he completed his National Service in the Army. On demobilisation he joined the firm of Kirk and Partners in Eltham eventually becoming senior partner.
Roger's lacrosse career suited his passion for organisation for he soon took up the first of many positions in the South of England Men's Lacrosse Association holding the offices of Assistant Secretary, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President at various times . In addition he was SEMLA's representative on the English Lacrosse Union for seven years. He will be remembered as the no nonsense organiser of the SEMLA Sixes for 30 years. And who can forget those crispy Boxing Day mornings when the 12 men of team Okill clad in padded caps and leather gloves wielded their wooden sticks against Mundy’s team before settling for the traditional draw and the warmth of the bar.
He was also responsible as Treasurer of the Centurion Lacrosse Club for finding the finance to equip some thirty UK Universities with playing equipment and continued for many years as a committee member.
Roger assisted the development of lacrosse in the South of England in no small measure, was always available with advice on lacrosse matters, and contributed greatly to the administration of our sport. He was loyal to his clubs and to his friends throughout his adult life. He will be greatly missed. His partner of over twenty five years, Patricia, predeceased him in 2015. He leaves no children.