GRATWICKE Edward Malcolm (Eddie)

Eddie, 81 years young. Born in Exeter 11th July 1941, passed away in Exeter 20th January 2023. He is survived by wife Jacqui and his two sons Adrian and Jamie and grandkids Makena, Maddy, Avery and Tom. In his younger days Eddie enjoyed playing rugby, fishing and dancing. He met Jacqui at the age of 18 while working at the Exeter TMO. During a 4 year courtship he signed up to serve in her majesty’s army and earned an officer’s commission with the Royal Engineers. After proposing outside a coffee shop in Exeter. Eddie and Jacqui were married at St Luke’s Church, Exeter in 1963. September 2023 will mark 60 years of marriage. Eddie embarked on many national and international postings with the Army. He served 17 years and an additional 21 years in the TA. In 2002 he moved to California where his son Jamie built his dream house on 44 acres. The house was 100% off the grid with its own solar batteries and generator power. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, swimming, long walks, raising chickens and ruffed the hair of many dogs and cats during this time. He also hosted a very popular traditional English pheasant shoot for several years on the property. In 2019 Eddie moved back to Exeter England. Due to injuries sustained from his early rugby days Eddie had 3 knee surgeries and a hip replacement. This did not deter him from making many friends in the Millbrook community his 39th place of residence. Funeral service will be held at St Peter’s Chapel, Exeter and Devon Crematorium on Wednesday 8th February 2023 at 1.30pm.