Badminton England are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Graham Troke, husband to our president Diana Troke.
Graham was a long-time supporter of the sport as Vice-President of Hampshire County Badminton Association, also playing badminton at local league level.
He also competed for the Police team, a job he served for 35 years before retiring, also previously working as a carpenter.
Graham was well-known as a quiet family man, who was dedicated to supporting Diana in her role as president and wider badminton duties.
A badminton family through and through, the couple’s two daughters, Catherine and Helen (MBE), were top-class players in their own right.
Both represented England, with Helen a multiple European champion and winning back-to-back Commonwealth Games gold in 1982 and 1986.
Catherine, was married to Mike Sertin who was Chairman of the national governing body until his death in 2010, and remains the Somerset representative for Badminton England at general meetings. With the entire family doing so much to support and grow our game.
Graham, who also had four grandchildren and one great-grandson, will be sorely missed by the entire Badminton England family.
The whole of Badminton England would like to offer our sincere condolences to Diana, daughters Catherine and Helen, and the rest of the family at this difficult time.