Words by David Knapp
Chris Tissainayagam – “Tissy” 1972 – 2024
Life prepares everyone for life and all that, in a normal world, it throws at us. As each year goes by, we should become more immune to the arrival of curveballs by deflecting and catching them as needed. On the oddest of odd occasions, something happens that throws us all off balance, and so it was on Thursday, 8th February, when CJ sent out an email advising us of the tragic news that Tissy had died at a mere 51 years of age. As I write this I know that most of those who knew him feel the way I do, it can’t be true, but it is. Coming to terms and processing such news is just impossible.
The word ‘legend’ is used far too easily and eagerly by sports fans caught up in the emotion of success; a Premiership footballer becomes a legend when he scores a hat-trick in a league match, as does a test cricketer who scores a sack full of runs against a B-rated opposition. These players are not legends at all, BUT Tissy was a legend, a real legend.
Tissy’s first incarnation at OCHC was in 2002 when he arrived at TD with his Warwick University mate Ian Tabor and a handful of other likely lads. This was a tough gig, as after 5 or 6 years of hitherto unparalleled success for our 1s, the journeymen, who had arrived on hearing of our success, had continued their journey with no wish to face the hard task of righting the ship. Tabor and his crew stepped into the breach to form a team in a league filled with up and coming teams. We struggled in the lower reaches of the various leagues for 5 or so years. Throughout that period, one man always had his infectious smile on display, one that rivalled Jurgen Klopp’s – Tissy. Nothing was too much trouble for him other than his inability to hold back and keep in check his passion and desire to fight for the club. He wanted what was best for his team and his teammates.
As the 1s slipped down to Surrey Div 1 from the lofty heights of the top 2 or 3 in The Southern Premier league, Tissy epitomised a, perhaps not deliberate, change in the club’s approach. Journeymen could take a hike to wherever they wished to end up. He showed us all what a perfect club member should be, and in my view, it is no coincidence that the OCHC is now where we are because of the example set by Tissy of what we expect from club members. He played for the club, not a particular team, and certainly not for himself.
Tissy did spend some time away from the club for various understandable and perfectly acceptable reasons, as living in Chalfont meant a trick drive to and from TD. However one season at another club made him realise what he had left behind and The Prodigal Son returned. Needless to say, Tissy volunteered to take over another tough gig, the struggling 4s. Following a first season in the lower reaches of the league, he continued as skipper for a second season and, naturally, was at the helm as the 4s won the league. He was quite correctly mighty chuffed. I reckon that was his proudest moment on the hockey field and one for which he could not have been more deserving.
Even during the tricky times when his carefully assembled teams on a Sunday were dismantled bit by bit as the week progressed, players pinched for various other teams, there was never a hint of dissent or grumbling. That was always reserved for the away games v Surbiton and Merton and, in particular, their umpires.
Everyone who played with or knew Tissy was infected by his energy and positive attitude.
Ed Copleston knew Tissy better than most, if not all of us, and says:-
“I played hockey for 20 years and cricket for 10 at Cranleigh with Tissy. He was one of a kind, a truly devoted and loyal friend. We shared sporting ups and downs but his immense commitment to sports teams was matched by his commitment to friendship.
For the OCHC, he would play for whoever asked him, even if totally inconvenient for him. On one Friday, I called him and asked if he could play v Old Whits at 10.00 in Croydon. As one might expect, he said yes. 60 minutes on the bench was followed by his being called on for the last 10 minutes. Later that evening I called him to ask him if he was angry and expected a mouthful. Tissy’s response was “I would do anything for this club Eds”.
The outpouring of grief that has been passing around WhatsApp has been overwhelming and quite astonishing, but this undoubtedly just scratches the surface of those who are shocked by this shocking turn of events. Whether people knew Tissy for 22 years or 22 weeks, the grief has been palpable from one and all.
All of our thoughts, prayers, and sympathy are with Sarah, Kayla, and Nathan who have lost the most special man possible from their lives far, far too early.
I do hope that Tissy is able to look down and see how much he meant to so many people. Fair to say that he would probably smile that captivating smile of his and say, “What a fuss over nothing, just give me a couple of sweet corn and chicken sandwiches”.
RIP our true and loyal friend, you will never be replaced.
Funeral arrangements for Chris Tissainayagam
Date: Monday 19th February at 1pm
Where: The Hub, Gold Hill Baptist Church, Church lane, Chalfont St. Peter
SL9 9RF
If you cannot make the service it will be live streamed, the link can be found at
www.goldhill.org/thanksgiving
Please come dressed in a way that helps you to reflect upon and celebrate his life. Formal attire is not required. Refreshments will be served following the service.
Sarah and family deeply appreciate all the love and support they have received at this time. These donations will be set aside for Kayla and Nathan for activities to support them in the months ahead.
Donations in lieu of flowers online to Gold Hill Baptist (muchloved.com) or after the church service.
RSVP to rchudson@btinternet.com