George James Rumming born 11th March 1930 in the village of Compton Bassett and grew up in the village of Castle Combe, Wiltshire. He was the son of a game keeper who died at an early age leaving his wife, George and six other siblings.
After seeing a marching band he decided he wanted a career in music. At the age of 14 and a half he joined the Royal Marines Band Service as a band boy on the 4th September 1944. During his time in the Royal Marines his love of music grew with him playing the Cello, Euphonium and Tuba. He was also a keen rugby player and boxer, playing both sports for the Royal Marines, playing rugby for Devonport Services, his passion for rugby and the Cello lasting a life time.
On the 10th March 1960 he left the Royal Marines and joined the Central Band of the Royal Air Force. His career continued with him not only playing for the Central Band but teaching at the Royal School of Music the Cello, Euphonium and Tuba. He taught the Cello and Double Bass at Bishopshalt Grammar School and Abbotsfield School for Boys as well as session work in the London studios. He also continued playing rugby, this time for the Royal Air Force.
In September 1973 he moved to the Western Band of the Royal Air Force, Locking at Weston Super Mare. He also taught the Cello and played in local orchestras. His time with the military was completed with the Royal Air Force in 1976.
George then moved back to Plymouth employed as a general fitter and light engineer with Sperry Gyroscope. He carried on teaching the Cello and played in the orchestra on several occasions at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth. He then started his own string quartet playing at special events and weddings. In 1979 he made contact with his old rugby club Devonport Services and became manager of the 3rds. He even managed to combine his two passions of rugby and music with playing his guitar at many a social event singing rugby songs with his team.
He continued playing his beloved Cello for many years after retirement until ill health forced him to stop.
He passed away on February 14th 2018 at Furzhatt Nursing Home. He is sadly missed by his wife Pat of nearly 63 years, 3 daughters Ann, Jane and Dawn, 7 granddaughters,2 grandsons and 2 great granddaughters. He will always be remembered as a larger than life character with a wicked sense of humour and such a passion for his music.
The funeral will take place on the 1st March 2018 at 3.30 pm at the Efford Cemetery and Crematorium, Efford Road, Plymouth, PL3 6NG.