Note of Condolence:
Paddy Tripp (June 1943 - November 2025)
By Surbiton HC
We are sad to report the passing of former Club President Paddy Tripp.
In SHC terms, Paddy was a genuine legend. Few people cared so deeply about the club and its people. This was ingrained from an early age through Paddy’s long-standing familial links to the club.
Since formally joining the club in 1960, Paddy held a huge number of roles, including as a committee member, fixtures secretary, team captain, Vice President, Club Captain and Club President. In his capacity as ‘Keeper of the Banana’ from 1975-1995, he was instrumental in continuing the traditions of the Surbiton Strollers. Many club members of a certain vintage got their first introduction to senior hockey through the Wednesday and Sunday afternoon Strollers fixtures and the annual Easter trip, initially to the Worthing Festival, and then further afield to various European tournaments. Although these events were an occasionally daunting introduction to club life, the stress was placed firmly on enjoyment, camaraderie, and the importance of socialising with the opposition after matches. These values and his love for the club had a great impact on so many people.
Paddy played for many teams, notably in his early days for the 2As XI. He was captain of the Magnets from 1986-2016 and then the newly formed Vintage XI from 2017-2021. He also organised the Satans XI, which continues to play at the club every New Year’s Day against the Puritans. Amongst all his achievements, one of Paddy’s proudest claims was that he had scored at least one goal for the club in each of his 60+ years of playing.
Apart from having held senior roles at the club, Paddy’s enthusiasm, love for the game, sociability, and determination to get a side out when sometimes it would have been easier to give up, are some of the reasons why he was so revered by club members, on the London League circuit and beyond.
Since news of Paddy’s passing has become known, numerous tributes have flowed in, all highlighting his sociability, larger-than-life character, his sense of humour, and role of devoted club member.
Funeral details will follow. From all at SHC, we send our condolences to Paddy’s family and friends.