RIP, Geoffrey

Geoffrey Clover in recent times

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AN empty bench, two bunches of flowers and a can mark the spot where one of Oldham’s best-known characters once slept.

A mass outpouring of grief has flooded in for a man many know as Rambo but few really knew; a man who wandered the streets of Oldham in his trademark tatty green coat.

Today the Chronicle can reveal that Geoffrey Clover, who died on April 1, was the son of a former mayor of Oldham. Geoffrey (71), was found dead at a bungalow on Lynmouth Avenue, Hathershaw. He was known to social services, but the cause of his death remains under investigation by the coroner. There are no suspicious circumstances

Geoffrey was often seen walking on Huddersfield Road and was known by a variety of names including the Sholver Commando, Vietnam, Army Man, and Green Man.

Oldhamers inundated the Chronicle with tributes to the local figure after news of his death broke.

Shaun Reynolds (54), who works at Tesco on Huddersfield Road, knew Geoffrey for eight years and frequently had dinner with him during breaks.

He said: “I first met him in Alexandra Park but didn’t really know him. He started coming into Tesco and we got chatting. I really liked him, he was a good man.

“We used to go and sit just outside the car park and eat together or we’d sometimes go down to his bench on Cross Street. He used to mind his own business and always got on really well with me. He was a very clever man and used to come out with some funny things

“I only found out on Monday, I was shocked when I heard what had happened. He was known by everyone, he’ll be missed.”

Geoffrey, a former Oldham Council gardener, was divorced and had a 40-year-old daughter, Melanie.

His father was Wilfred Clover, Oldham’s mayor in 1965 and Labour group leader on the former Oldham Borough Council. Wilfred OBE, moved to live with his daughter in California in 1979 and died in 1992, aged 85.

Tributes started to flood in as the news broke. Helen Williams on Facebook said: “He will never know how popular he was. The sad thing is that he’s getting loads of tributes now but did he have so many care about him when he was alive? Everyone just seemed to drive by him. Hope he didn’t suffer.”

Anita Joanne, on Facebook, said: “So, so sad. Wish he knew how many people knew him and thought so much of him. May he be free.”

Janette McMylor, on Facebook, said: “He must have covered thousands of miles over the years. Quite an enigma, bless and goodnight.”

Judi Dransfield, on Facebook, said: “Sad news, rest in peace Mr Clover. You now have time to rest your weary legs. Hope you knew how liked you were.”

Paul Merryman, on Twitter, said: “Sad news indeed. A part of Oldham for sure.

Marc Bamford, on Facebook, said: “Aww shame, Oldham won’t be the same without him wondering about. Rip.

Tracey Harrison, on Facebook, said: “I remember a certain bench that he sat on, on Huddersfield Road. That will always be his bench now, bless him x.”

Wendy Eaton, on Facebook, said: “Aww bless RIP Rambo. For many years I passed you virtually everywhere round Saddleworth in my coal truck.

“He used to stop and have is dinner in the stone bus stop on Huddersfield Road, Scouthead. Probably continue walking up there in heaven x.”

Laura Scholes, on Facebook, said: “His bench on Huddersfield Road should have a plaque put on with his name. RIP Rambo x

Hayley F-Mc, on Facebook, said: “I don’t know anyone in Oldham that doesn’t know this man. Legendary Rambo! Rip x.”

Lynn Miles Martin, on Facebook, said: “So sad. I remember him from so many years ago.

“I used to live in Sholver/Watersheddings and would see him almost every day walking everywhere.

“Now taken his last walk to the gates of heaven, may he find peace always. RIP Geoffrey xx.”