Camden New Journal - Obituary: Patrick Healy

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Camden New Journal - OBITUARY
Published: 10 April 2008

Patrick Healy

Noble in boxing and noble in life

PATRICK Healy, the gentleman boxer and champion-making manager, has died aged 76 at his Holborn home.
The Irish-born manager and match-maker – who took Australian fighter Sam Soliman to a Commonwealth gold in 2000 and Nathan Sting to a world bantam triumph – suffered a fatal heart attack at his flat in Cranleigh Buildings, Brookes Market.
Broken noses from the boxing world joined relatives and friends from all walks of life to pay tribute to an “honest and fair man who adored his family” at the funeral service at St Peter and Paul’s Church in the City.
His son William Healy said: “Boxing is a noble sport and Dad personified it. He was noble in boxing and noble in life itself.
“He punched above his weight and he always went the distance.”
Father and son would spar together in their cramped flat near Leather Lane, bobbing and weaving around the sofa and television.
Despite his fighter credentials Mr Healy was always turned out in a suit, hat and well-heeled shoes, whatever the occasion.
He and his wife of 53 years, Margaret, who died three months prior to him, could often be spotted at The Ritz or The Savoy, taking afternoon tea.
William, who has buried both his parents since the year began, said: “He was generous to a fault and couldn’t do enough for people. I thought the world of him.
“He and my mother had the right outlook, the right moral fibre. They respected everyone.”
Born in Tipperary in 1931, Patrick was the son of a local fisherman.
He met Margaret at a dance in the local town before moving to London to seek adventure and employment in his teens. Margaret joined him soon after.
Mr Healy worked clearing old bomb sites following the Second World War and as a shiftworker for British Rail: but boxing was his passion.
He would go to the clubs after work, particularly The Times in Ludgate Circus, winning several amateur trophies before advancing age moved him to the other side of the ropes.
His son said: “I think it was a broken heart that killed him. Mum’s call was just too strong.”

SIMON WROE

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