Mr. Dilip Patel by Dinker Patel
Top (L - R) Billy Spencer; Richard Moglia; Julian Hickinbottom; Steve Leary; Dilip Patel; Vinod Patel
Bottom (L-R) Dave Cowie; Lenny Kerr; Dave Turner; Chris Hoddle; Alan Molloy
As each of us struggles to come to terms with the sad news of the passing away of Dilip Patel, we must also remember the life and achievements of a remarkable human being: 27th February 1952 (Nairobi, Kenya) – 13th February 2008 (Bolton, England).
Firstly our thoughts and sympathises are with Dilip’s family. He leaves behind a wife and two daughters who are already beginning to take their own successful steps into adulthood. Dilip leaves behind a mother, a sister, two brothers and their own families. We would like them all to be sure that we share in their grief and we pray that they will each find the strength to go on after this sad and sudden loss.
Born in Nairobi, Kenya (then a colony of the British Empire); Dilip received his primary and early secondary education in Nairobi. Arrived in England September 1967 aged 15 and attended Smithills Grammar School. He showed himself to be a good student, successfully completing his G.C.E. ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels before moving into further education but was no bookworm as shown clearly by his active participation in a number of sports and in having a keen interest in music (guitar, piano); cultural and social issues.
He qualified as a chemical engineer from Teeside University, gaining a BSc degree. At university his sporting interests were further enhanced. He was a member of the Institute of Chemical Engineers.
Dilip worked for a number of firms and in a number of locations in the U.K. During these periods of time when he was away from home he always made time to honour his commitments at home and in the community.
To date Dilip remains the longest serving secretary of Bolton Indian Cricket Club; serving the club during some of its most trying, busy and progressive periods. During his time in office, Dilip was often the voice of reason keeping the committee on track when it would have been easy to get carried away and to reach too far too soon. Unlike numerous others who seek to work on committees because the position offers benefits for them. Dilip was one of a rare breed that served on committees when he had something beneficial to offer. Dilip served as a volunteer committee member for a couple of social organisations namely Bolton ‘Hindu Forum’ and Bolton V.H.P. Hindu temple. He was president of the Charotar Samaj of Bolton.
The immediate and most common view of Dilip that most people have is of a polite, charming and cheerful chap. It is true Dilip was all of these but those who have played with or against Dilip at badminton, cricket or hockey will also appreciate just how skilled and determined a competitor Dilip was.
Dilip was, however, sporting enough to acknowledge the good play and the skills of opponents. Even in the heat of the battle Dilip always had a word of encouragement or advice for younger players, be they teammates or opponents but when the youngster needed chastisement he always had a quiet word after the game.
Dilip played hockey with distinction for 40+ years, he successfully adapted his game to suit all the different surfaces that hockey was played on over this period of time. Like a number of players who played for this length of time Dilip had played as a forward, midfield player and latterly as a defender. He also played indoor hockey during his time at Bury Hockey Club and with Manchester Indians.
Most people who have played with or against Dilip will remember with awe his flair and close control when in possession but not failed to have been impressed by his dogged determination when fighting to regain possession. Dilip was equally adept at marking and tackling.
Dilip played most of his hockey on the left side of the field, not only because he was better than others to cope with playing on this side of the pitch, especially when hockey was played on grass but perhaps because of his famous reverse stick strikes and crosses. A real trade mark skill only matched by Lenny Kerr.
Latterly Dilip was one of a growing number of senior players who played as part of the development teams. Like the other senior players Dilip helped to ensure that the younger players enjoyed a safe game of hockey. For the youngsters involved Dilip was a player who they could learn the skills of hockey from. Dilip was also very willing to pass on his considerable knowledge about how to play the game of hockey. A number of keen youngsters progressed quicker because they were not too proud to learn from ‘a good old un’.
Dilip also played cricket for an equally long time for Bolton Indian Cricket Club. Dilip was successful and knowledgeable at ‘four’ facets of the game batting, bowling, fielding and captaincy. A useful and productive batsman who could play the game that was necessary for the team at any given time. Dilip could not only bowl medium fast but was a good exponent of spin bowling. He was a dependable fielder whether he was fielding close to the wicket or in the deep. He was a fair and respected captain whenever he took charge of the side.
As a valued member of a very talented team Dilip won many trophies including the league title and the cups contested by the teams of the old second division of Bolton Association. He was also part of the team that won the ‘Mandhata Cup’ national competition. Dilip was invited for trials by Lancashire County Cricket Club.
In cricket as in hockey Dilip was equally generous in passing on his knowledge to those who chose to seek his help. Bolton Cricket Club in general and the performance of the cricket teams in particular were important to Dilip. He took a personal interest in all aspects of the club from playing and socialising to the preparation and maintenance of the ground and its facilities. He was never one to interfere but was always the one to turn to when things needed to be done or when you needed help or support for a particular job.
In 1986 Dilip was instrumental in initiating and setting up the formal coaching programme to help young players of B.I.C.C. The fact that B.I.S.S.C. has an increasing number of players when older and more established clubs are losing players/teams can be attributed to Dilip setting up this coaching for the young.
Dilip was a good role model and a sympathetic ally for the younger players and social members. Dilip was a well-respected and a very popular social member at both the Hockey and Cricket clubs. He rarely got involved in arguments preferring to deal with matters when all parties had had time to reflect and time to have calmed down. Due to his popularity and his famed unbiased stance Dilip often acted as the intermediary in disputes. The way he always managed to resolve these and continued to be in demand for this role is a true mark of the calibre of the human being that was Dilip.
It is true that we will all miss the jovial and at times mischievous person that Dilip was but we are also very fortunate to have known a guy who could make you feel like he is your best friend by the end of the first evening that you spend in his company. The best way to thank Dilip for his contributions to so many people’s lives in so many ways would be to remember with affection how very rich he made our lives during the time we shared with him.
Thank you for your help, support and friendship but mainly thanks for being the Dilip Patel who so enriched our lives in so many ways.
