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Date: Mon, 10 Feb 97 15:00:55 GMT
From: Rob Mitchell <admrwm@ccg.acu.man.ac.uk>
Message-ID: <9702101500.A15035@ccg.acu.man.ac.uk>
To: britdisc@csv.warwick.ac.uk
Subject: Ben Rainbow
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Text item: Text_1

     I'm afraid, folks, that I have to pass on some bad news. 
     
     Ben Rainbow died on Thursday morning.
     
     After meeting members of Cupid and Psyche in Leeds in 1991, Ben became 
     hooked on Ultimate and after moving to Manchester in 1993 decided that 
     what the city really needed was a frisbee team. Fingers Six Steps 
     Ahead Of Our Minds, to give it it's full title, was born in September 
     93 and sustained almost entirely through Ben's extraordinary efforts. 
     His time, commitment and enthusiasm was the driving force behind the 
     team which progressed to sixth place at Indoor Nationals only eighteen 
     months after we'd all picked up a disc for the first time. 
     Before too long Ben was sticking his oar in at the BUF and would 
     certainly have become one of the key figures in British Ultimate. 
     Whilst it's clear that Ultimate Manchester owes everything to Ben, 
     it's also I think, arguable that Ultimate across the North of England 
     is substantially in debt to him. Without the fraternal rivalry between 
     the Manchester and Leeds teams which began in 1993, it's hard to 
     imagine that ourselves or Catch 22 could have progressed as far or has 
     as much fun as we have since.
     Perhaps the highlight of Ben's playing career came in the Summer of 
     1995 when he was asked to join the Sneeekys for their outing at the 
     WUCC in Street, Somerset, a week during which Ben and everyone 
     involved had an absolute ball. 
     Shortly after the first British Open in Eastbourne Ben was diagnosed 
     with a very rare type of liver cancer. Four the last sixteen months he 
     lived life to the full, taking in a handful of foreign trips and 
     generally poking his nose in all over the place. Sadly, despite a 
     relentlessly positive outlook and some amazing fighting spirit, Ben's 
     condition was too much for him and he passed away at home on Thursday 
     morning.
     For three years Ultimate was Ben's life and he will, of course, be 
     sadly missed, not only as a player and organiser, but as a dear friend 
     who left his mark on all those who met him.
     Ben will be buried in the churchyard in Stocklinch, near Taunton in 
     Somerset, where he grew up and lived up until his death. The funeral 
     is this Wednesday, the 12th of February, at 2.30 pm. All are welcome 
     and both Ben's parents and the Chevron/Fingers family would love to 
     see as big a turnout as possible. So if you knew Ben, or if you just 
     want to come along, feel free.
     Ben's family have already been swamped with flowers and have asked 
     that well-wishers send donations to the Bristol Cancer Health Centre, 
     a homeopathic centre where Ben received what he considered by far the 
     most useful treatment and helpful advice in dealing with his 
     condition. If individuals or teams would like to donate, cheques made 
     payable to the centre can be sent to myself or Kenny at 6, Ravensdale 
     Street, Rusholme, Manchester, M14 5NZ. and we'll organise what will 
     hopefully be a useful donation from the Ultimate community.
     If anyone wants to write to Ben's family, the address is Elwell House, 
     Stocklinch, Ilminster, Nr Taunton, Somerset, TA19 9JF.
     Finally if anyone wants any more details or just fancies a chat, they 
     can get myself or Kenny on 0161 224 9987.
     Sorry to have to break this sad news to you. We hope you'll be able to 
     pass it on to your team-mates and anyone else who would wish to know.
     
     Rob, Chevron.