Nick Savva’s funeral was yesterday
On what would’ve been his 92nd birthday, the greyhound racing world gathered to celebrate the legendary Nick Savva at a celebration of his life.
The life of Nick Savva celebrated yesterday
A celebration of the life of Nick Savva, the legendary trainer and breeder of dual Derby winner Westmead Hawk and so many other champions, took place at Stanbridge, Bedfordshire, on Monday.
Attended by family, close friends and invited guests, tributes were paid to 'Mr Westmead' on what would have been his 92nd birthday.
Nick's daughters Nicola and Lisa said: "It just seemed right to hold a celebration of dad's life on his birthday - and have a party!
"He wouldn't want sadness and we wanted to make sure people could enjoy the many stories and experiences dad had - he lived a very full life!"
A service was conducted by celebrant Helen Khan before words of tribute and poems from members of the Savva family plus those of Floyd Amphlett, with music from Jemma Graham.
Among those in attendance were the Morton family, themselves mourning the passing of Bob Morton, owner of so many of the Westmeads, including Derby winners Westmead Hawk (twice) and Westmead Lord. Bob also sadly died just a few days after his great friend.
Bob's widow Sue was joined by sons Andrew, Ed, Charles and Robert.
Larry O'Rourke, owner of Tinys Bud, was among those in attendance, as was Andy Elias, whose late dad Jack was also a great friend and owner with Nick.
Diane and Kelly Bakewell were also there. They had Westmead Hawk as a pup at Hall Green before he returned to Nick Savva on his way to legendary status, as were trainers Andy Ioannou and Heather Dimmock, and photographer Steve Nash.
"Thank-you to all those who helped us celebrate dad's life," added Nick's daughter Nicola.
"It was heartwarming to see so many people here and them express their love for dad, not just from his greyhound racing family, but those in and around life locally to Westmead Kennels since his retirement.
"As a family we are so proud of what dad achieved in a long and fulfilling life."
The Savva family have asked for any donations to be made to Nick's chosen charity Cancer Research.
