Tribute to Geoff Doncaster 23rd April 1923 - 8th April 2010

It is with great sadness that I write about the recent death of Geoff Doncaster. He passed away on Thursday 8th April 2010 just 2 weeks short of his 77th birthday. read more

Geoff was a larger than life figure in many ways. Weight training three times a week gave him a physique that many men half his age would be proud of, and he controlled his diabetes successfully for 17 years with a healthy diet and active life.

He was well known in Grimsby and Cleethorpes for many good reasons and lots of his friendships spanned well over fifty years, a tribute to his popularity. He took an interest in history, the arts, weight training, healthy eating, was an avid sports fan and of course his main passion, all things jazz. For Geoff no other music could come close. Geoff's incredible knowledge and way with words accurately and succinctly described the strengths and talents of the artists invited to play at Grimsby Jazz. And was invaluable to the success of the club.

Although best known for his jazz connections, Geoff also sang with style and played the drums. In the 1960s he played in the clubs and for dances with the Ron Winters Quartet: In the 1970's he sang and played at the Sands Club where he also developed his own distinctive style of compering! Most recently he sang with Gentle Jazz.

He actively promoted jazz throughout his life, his involvement starting with the South Bank Jazz Club at Dial Square in the 1950's and continued through most of the jazz festivals of the next 50 years. He was influential in bringing many of the best jazz musicians to the area and able to talk perceptively with them all. He had the ability to know if a particular tune would suit a musicians style. Geoff was always interested in music that was happening 'now', as well as in the established classics. His championing of local, regional and national talent is currently evident with Grimsby Jazz at the Stamford Club. His obvious enthusiasm and lifelong delight in both new and old music was influential in introducing many others to the joy of listening to live and recorded jazz.

Geoff and I had just completed the organization of the 2010 Cleethorpes Jazz Festival and this is just part of the legacy to jazz he leaves behind. I will be just one of many who will mourn his passing, and will find irreplaceable as a friend and mentor.

Gill Wilde, Grimsby Jazz