The Cumbrian farming community lost a successful businessman, great sports lover and larger than life character with a keen sense of humour with the death of Geoff Tunstall, aged 69.
Geoff set up and ran Eden Farm Supplies (Brough), was a founding member of Upper Eden Rugby Club, owned or part-owned winning racehorses and still found time to pursue many other interests — foremost among these being his family.
The oldest child of Molly and the late Eric Tunstall, he had a sister, Anne, and brother, John. He was brought up in and around Brough and went to school in the village.
As a youngster Geoff loved being outside with his siblings and friends, spending many a day up Swindale and at other wild spots. He joined the “Pathfinders” — a group set up by local policeman Sgt Harry Brown — and was in his element climbing Lakeland fells and doing other outdoor activities.
He also enjoyed playing football with other Brough lads and, from the late 1960s, started spending a lot of time with local equestrian enthusiast Dot Bousfield, developing a love of horses.
After leaving school at the age of 16, Geoff started working for agricultural products supplier Stan Davis and proved to be an able salesman.
It was in 1974 that he met his future wife, Carol, at a dance at the Black Swan, Ravenstonedale.
The couple were married in May, 1980, and made their home at Church Brough. They went on to have two sons, Stephen, who was born in 1982, and John, who arrived in 1985.
Eden Farm Supplies was set up in 1982 with two couples in partnership and, after this original business was dissolved, Eden Farm Supplies (Brough) was launched in 1989 with just Geoff and Carol as directors.
The business was a massive part of Geoff’s life and he was keen to pass on what he knew to his team. He had nothing to learn about selling and it was said he could “sell sand in the Sahara”. The firm’s stand was to be seen at many Cumbrian agricultural shows, where it was as much a social centre as a place to buy farming items.
Geoff also supported numerous livestock events by sponsoring classes and providing special prizes.
In addition to its main base at Winton, the business also has standalone shops at auction marts at Penrith, Leyburn, Bentham and Darlington.
The workforce of Eden Farm Supplies now stands at around 20, with a travelling sales team covering the majority of the company’s key trading areas in northern England and southern Scotland.
Away from his family and business, Geoff was one of the original members of Upper Eden Rugby Club in 1975, played the game for a number of years and remained a big supporter of the club after his playing days were over.
A minute’s silence was held in his memory before Upper Eden’s game at Aspatria on Saturday, which the Pennine Park side went on to win 27-17. Club chairman Neil Marston said: “I do feel they were galvanised by the minute’s silence for Geoff — a very well known founder member at our club.
“He will be greatly missed. As a founder member, player and treasurer of Upper Eden, he was very passionate about all things Upper Eden and the game of rugby union. A gregarious and hospitable man, Geoff epitomised all that was great in our sport. Our best wishes remain with Geoff’s wife Carol and family.”
Geoff also enjoyed a number of other sports, whether as a player or spectator. He made many trips to watch his beloved Sunderland AFC team play and loved to recall their victory, while in the old second division, over Leeds Utd — then one of Britain’s top football sides — in the 1973 FA Cup final.
In the field of golf, he, along with a group of friends, enjoyed many hours on courses around the country — and evenings spent chatting after a day’s play.
Geoff also loved being part of the horse racing community and he owned or part-owned many horses in the charge of trainers including Diane Sayer, the late Ken Slack, Nicky Richards, George Bewley, Tristan Davidson and Gordon Elliot.
Over the time Geoff owned horses he delighted in accumulating just short of 30 winners.
Although he missed out on many trips and events with his sons when they were younger because of the need to nurture his business, he made sure this did not happen after his three grandchildren arrived. He was immensely proud of them and all they achieved.
He is survived by his wife Carol, Brough; sons Stephen, Gaisgill, and John, Winton; mother Molly, Kirkby Stephen; sister Anne Rogers, Lazonby; and brother John, Kirkby Stephen. His three grandchildren are Madeleine, Jack and Thomas.
The funeral service is to be held at Kirkby Stephen Parish Church on Friday, 9th February, at 11-30am, followed by private interment. Walkers Funeral Directors, Appleby, have charge of the arrangements.
