The community mourns the passing of Gren Gaskell, a remarkable man whose journey from Nottinghamshire pits to published author demonstrated the power of lifelong learning and resilience. He died at 89, leaving behind a legacy of literary work and community activism.
From Mining Community to Management
Born in Bulwell, Nottinghamshire, Gren - short for Granville - experienced hardship from an early age. His father John, a miner, died in a pit accident when Gren was just four years old. His mother Eliza struggled to raise him and his five siblings through periods of hunger and cold.
These difficult childhood experiences shaped Gren's character, making him profoundly grateful for his blessings in adulthood and instilling a strong sense of social justice. He became a champion for the rights of less fortunate people throughout his life.
At High Pavement school in Nottingham, a pivotal moment occurred when the headteacher's secretary, Mrs Gunn, recognised his potential. She introduced him to Shakespeare and encouraged his love of learning, throwing him a crucial lifeline that would change his life's trajectory.
A Life of Transformation and Creativity
Like most men in his community, Gren initially followed the expected path into mining after leaving school. He married his first wife Beryl in 1954 and they raised a son together while he worked underground.
However, Mrs Gunn's early intervention bore fruit when she helped him secure an office job, marking a significant turning point. In the mid-1960s, he joined Thorn EMI as a clerk and demonstrated such capability that he worked his way up to manage the company's Rugby branch.
Beyond his professional life, Gren maintained a vibrant creative side. He performed as a pub singer under the stage name Tony Firelli and was a committed Labour party member from age 18. His political engagement continued throughout his life as a devoted Guardian reader and supporter of leftwing causes. He later became a Quaker, reflecting his deepening spiritual commitment.
Retirement Years and Literary Achievement
After retiring in 1994 and experiencing the loss of Beryl soon afterwards, Gren moved to Malvern, Worcestershire, where he discovered new purpose through the University of the Third Age (U3A). It was at a U3A social history group that he met Arline Lillis, who would become his second wife in 2006.
Their marriage ushered in a period of remarkable activity and creativity. Gren published three books, including Tales from the Golden Bull in 2017, drawing inspiration from his experiences in the coalmining community. He chaired both the Malvern Writers' Circle and the local U3A branch, fostering creative expression in others.
The couple maintained a lively social circle, regularly attending plays and concerts at Malvern theatre. They also travelled extensively, visiting France, Spain, Italy, Norway, Turkey, Hungary, and even venturing as far as Kazakhstan.
In his final years, Gren lived with Lewy body dementia, which he faced with characteristic fortitude and dignity. He is survived by his wife Arline, who shared his passion for learning and adventure during their years together in Malvern.
