Geoff Sewell 1932-2024

It's so important to follow your dreams and that is what Geoff did throughout his life. In his late 50s he helped his wife's dreams come true by starting The Cotton Patch in Birmingham in 1990. She had an amazing idea and he made it reality.
He was a remarkable person with the ability to change careers and be successful at whatever he applied himself to. He could seamlessly move from talking about the future of computing at conferences to choosing patchwork fabrics with a customer or demonstrating rotary cutting techniques. His natural charm was built on a love of people. He had a joy for life and a level of enthusiasm and energy that often left those half his age in his wake (including me at Quilt Market when he would walk the entire floor in his 80s).

Geoff and I realised how important longarm quilting was going to be in the quilting industry and were delighted to partner with Handi Quilter in 2010 becoming the UK and European Distributor. It was a great opportunity to develop the longarm market in the UK and make it more accessible to many more quilters than it had been. He demonstrated a great vision and desire to develop something from scratch using his considerable business acumen and skill. He was 78 at the time when many others would be slowing down or enjoying retirement!

Many won't have known but his many "careers" started by being a draughtsman. He was a Chartered Production Engineer who worked for Rootes Group. He then became one of the top salesmen at IBM with customers like GEC. He started his own computer leasing business supplying large IBM mainframes to customers like the Bank of England and Bank of Scotland. This business was hugely successful and became a PLC. He was a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Member of the British Computer Society and former Director General of ECLAT (a trade body) who organised conferences in Europe for the computer leasing industry. He worked with the EU to develop electrical emissions standards and as an expert witness in anti competitive cases.

As a Reiki Master he used his healing skills to help others. He was an accomplished watercolourist and he loved working with creative people. He didn't have the word "no" in his vocabulary.

For over thirty years he worked at The Cotton Patch. Pinhole Quilting (which I started with my husband in 2017) is a direct result of his hard-work and vision.

Of working at The Cotton Patch he would say - "It beats working".
He was easy to forgive when someone had made a mistake - "No one bats 100 every time."
If we were going through a difficult period he would lighten the mood with sayings like - "Next year we'll have bigger and better problems!"

"Bad luck runs in 3s. When you get a 4th it's the start of the next 3...."

And my favourite - "When you see a light at the end of the tunnel, it may be a train coming the other way..."

His wonderful hugs, his smile and love for life will be sorely missed by us all.

His Reiki Master Mantra was 'Love. Harmony, Peace'. We hope he is at peace now.
RIP Geoff Sewell, BSc, MIProdE, C Eng, MBCS, FIoD

TRIBUTES

Yitz Jaffe, Geoff's accountant and business adviser for many years

Geoff Sewell
A special man – always full of enthusiasm. Indeed always warm and friendly
from when I first met him in the seventies – at that time he was one of the
three founders of the CPS Group. The new world of outsiders dealing in IBM
computers was just dawning and Geoff, Ed and Douglas made quite a
formidable team. It was all new to me but acting as accountant to their
company was a most exciting prospect.

I built up a strong friendship with Geoff and learned an awful lot from him
about mainframe computers. In due course we became friends as couples and
Lorraine and I remember with great fondness our shared holiday at the Sewell
family home in Abersoch.

After introducing me to the world of personal computing – laptops and desk
tops, Geoff and Jean took me into their totally different world of Quilting when
they set up Cotton Patch and Lorraine and I enjoyed so much the visits to [ and
conducted tours of] the Cotton Patch premises.

Jean and the whole family we mourn with you the passing of your lovely warm
and special husband and father.

May all the precious memories you hold in your hearts be a great comfort to
you all.

As we say in the Jewish Faith “ May Geoff’s Memory always be for a beautiful
blessing”.

Lots of love,
Lorraine and Yitz

From Naresh Chadha, California, USA
I first met Geoff and the CPS team in London in 1985 when he asked me to work for CPS Computers Inc. in Westport Connecticut as VP Sales and Marketing buying and selling mainframes. I used to make several trips to the UK Offices and remember going out for Indian meals.

Later, I moved to the UK and remembered Geoff taking me to Cotton Patch offices which was his passion. I will never forget when Geoff helped my wife for several years with transatlantic Reiki treatments from chest ailments.

Geoff was a thorough gentleman always helping me and being my mentor. He will be greatly missed, and I pray Almighty God to give Jean and family courage and strength to overcome this great loss in their lives.

Kate Wild, former Mayor of Solihull
A lovely man. It was a privilege to know him.


Gary Allport, former Mayor and Councillor
I am so sorry that your dad has died. Can I offer you, and all the family, my deepest sympathy. I will certainly come along to the funeral and the celebration of life. I have many fond memories of your dad.

Lord Mitchell, House of Lords. Former Director of Standard Chartered Leasing.

First of all how sad to learn of Geoff’s passing.  I remember him well, a competitor of course, but also a great guy and a man of true integrity.

Please convey to your mum and your siblings my deepest condolences.  We’ve lost a good one.

Stay safe and cherish your memories of your Dad.

Regards
Parry

Jeff Klein, President of ASCDI - Computer Leasing Industry Body
I am deeply saddened to hear of Geoff’s passing. Geoff was a trusted voice in our industry, a gentleman and I considered him a friend. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Bob Woods MBE

When we first met, I very quickly developed enormous respect and over time a growing and deep friendship.

I will always remember him for his razor-sharp mind, empathy, warmth, and decency.
My deepest condolences to you and the family.

Lucy Lunt - Solihull School Alumni
I’m so very sorry to hear about your father. Please accept my deepest sympathy. 
I liked Geoff enormously, I once had the pleasure of showing your parents round the school and then taking them to the refectory for lunch. They were great company and so enthusiastic, a lovely couple.

They were certainly an important part of our community.

Christine Porter
Organiser of Quilting Conferences
I remember Geoff with great affection. I always felt he was a great innovator and business man in our quilting industry, never afraid to take the next step before others to try new products and new ways of presenting them, as well as working with top quilters and giving them a voice.

Pauline Burbidge
Handi Quilter Ambassador

This is sad news. I wanted to write to wish Jean, you & Pete and all your family all the very best. I know you will all miss him – and please give one of those special hugs to Jean. What an amazing man he was! Thank you so much for sending through your written piece Liz, on Geoff – you captured his aura and character really well, I treasure it. What an amazing career path he journeyed on too.

He really touched my life too – and I have got such a lot to be grateful for in knowing Geoff. He was so kind and thought so much of others. I would never have had this wonderful Handi Quilter longarm machine – if it was not for Geoff, just think of that!  It changed the course of my quilting career, and helped me reach a goal of earning my living from my art & craft work alone, without the need to teach to top-up the funds; as my studio work is my favourite occupation, and still is!

I exhibited annually at the Festival of Quilts/NEC for a 10-year period. It was sometimes hard going to try and promote my own art/craft work, it doesn’t come naturally to me. I remember at the end of one show, I was exhausted. Geoff must have spotted this, from a distance, seeing I was a bit stressed. He walked over to me and said, could I offer you a little Reiki, I am a Reiki Master. I agreed and he performed a ritual, which left me feeling re-energised and calm again – ready to face the tasks ahead, wonderful! What a gift! He was a real people’s person – we loved him; he loved us!

We will surely miss him – here’s wishing him and you all the Love, Harmony & Peace that he gave to us all.

Mark Hyland
CEO of Handi Quilter
He was an extraordinary individual, a true gentleman who "walked the talk", lifting people at every turn, as you gained an instant and trusted friend. Describing Geoff as Amazing, would be an understatement. A wonderful tribute to your Dad, Liz. I am sure he continues to bring goodness, kindness and his healing power. I feel very fortunate to have been in his presence and more importantly, being his friend. R.I.P. my friend, until we meet again…

Maggie Davies
Quilt Teacher and Quilt Judge
Written in November 2023 to Jean and Geoff
Over the years - twenty three in total, you’ve helped me through some tough moments with ill health. Your healing hands have worked wonders with Reiki and I send you both my love. 

Vicki Hoth - Educator at Handi Quilter
Liz, so sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a gentleman that I truly admired. Peace to your family.

Lynda Jackson
He will be greatly missed by many of us. He made me laugh and he made me cry (those that know, know) and he was a true gent. He treated everyone with respect and made you feel as though he had all the time in the world for you. RIP Geoff. Xx

Brenda Bauermeister Groelz ex Marketing Director Handi Quilter
Aww, Liz, I’m sorry to hear this news. Such a great man. I admired him. Sending love and condolences your way.

Kim Brunner - Handi Quilter Educator
Oh Liz. I'm so very sorry to hear this. Your dad was a kind and generous man and will be greatly missed. Gentle hugs to you, my friend.

Carl and Kelly Cline - Handi Quilter Educator
Oh Liz, I just read this to Kelly. We are so sorry to hear this news. Our condolences to you, Pete, and all your family. Such a delightful man and what a wonderful. His legacy lives through you both!!❤️

Amber Snieder McLachlan - Handi Quilter Administrator
So sorry to hear, sending love to you and your family, he was a great man. 💕

Nate Arnesen - Handi Quilter 
The world is a better place because of your father. I liked him from the start. I am sure he is very proud of how you have carried on the family legacy. Please share my condolences with your mother as well as the rest of the family.

Hilde van Schaardenburg - Handi Quilter Ambassador
  · 
In memoriam of Geoff Sewell 
With love, respect and deep appreciation for my fatherly and supporting friend - Hilde van Schaardenburg.
The young Nigerian photographer Boluwaji Adelabu made a wonderful and brilliant video about The Festival of Quilts in 2015:
Geoff Sewell & the quilts, the many visitors, The Cotton Patch presenting the Handi Quilter Longarm Quilting machines with a great team of experts telling about their enthusiasm for fabric, needle & thread.

Abigail Sheridan de Graaff - Handi Quilter Educator
Whilst I knew some of Geoff’s history I wasn’t aware of it all. What a wonderful, rich life he had. I remember when I first met him at FoQ and was taken by how similar he was to my dad - well dressed, charming and as sharp as a tack! My heartfelt condolences go out to you and the whole family at this time. I hope the shared memories and love you felt for him and received in turn give you solace xx

Mary Beth Krapil - Handi Quilter
My deepest condolences Liz. Your dad was such a lovely person, kind and generous and full of love and life. Sending hugs to you and all your family. You all will be in my prayers. Xxx

Rhonda Pierce - Schmetz and ex Quilters Resource
Dear Liz, I adored Geoff. Hugs to you & your family. For certain we will dine again. ❤ ❤️ 🧡

Amy Dee - Amy Butler Designs
Dear Liz, my heart is with you. ❤️ I’m so grateful I got to spend time with your Dad, what a beautiful and interesting person he was!

Nanc Christopherson - Longarm Quilt Academy
Liz I am so sorry for your loss. I’m thinking of you and your family and praying for peace and understanding.
It was an honor to know such a wonderful man ❤️

Jamie Wallen
Awwww, how heartbreaking. Rich and I really cherished our time with Him! Surrounding your family in tons of love as you manoeuvre through this loss.

Stuart Hillard
Such a privilege to have known your wonderful father… I owe such a debt of gratitude to him too for helping me to voice my dreams and find a way to achieve them… Geoff’s whiteboard really worked!! ❤️❤️❤️

Brandon Mably
Liz, Geoff was a legend in his own right. He did so much for us in the beginning for the UK market and we’re very proud to have known him and lovely Jean to. But also it’s part of the respect we have for you and your siblings. What a family and that’s down to Geoff and Jean!!  He will be looking down and smiling at you with pride.

Karin Hellaby
So sorry to hear your news, Liz. Your Dad was such a gentle and wise man.

Nel Whatmore
Having just lost my Dad I empathise so much the biggest hug to you and Nick and your gorgeous Mum and family xxxx

Grace Company
Thank you so much for letting us know about Geoff’s passing, and for including your written piece along with that—so great to know additional background not previously known!
 
We have such fond memories of Geoff, and enjoyed a wonderful working relationship for so many years.
 
I believe my last time with him was at Houston’s Quilt Market in 2018(?), where we enjoyed a nice meal together and had an engaging conversation about Brexit .
 
He was always a delight to talk to because I always felt a warmth of spirit coming from him.  Even when talking about concerns, I felt an overriding care about the relationship amidst whatever the concern.
 
He’ll not be forgotten here at Grace!

Best Regards, and God bless
 
Jaren Gibson | President

Letter from Sandy Chandler in 2018 (she passed away in 2020) but the sentiment sums Geoff up well.

"Dear Geoff and Margaret,
 
Can you believe we have enjoyed our business relationship for 15 years?  I have truly enjoyed working with you at The Cotton Patch as one of the highlights of my career.   You may be surprised to learn that since 2003, The Cotton Patch has enjoyed the LOWEST price of ANY distributor, including the two Curve Master company owners, myself and Marsha Martelli.  This is due solely to the charming charisma and deadly negotiating skills of Geoff Sewell!
 
As always, we are grateful for your support over the years and look forward to a continuing mutually beneficial relationship.
 
All best wishes,
 
Sandy Marcum
President, Curve Master LLC

Family and Friends

Peter Holpin
We don't get to choose our parents, but you were lucky to get such a wonderful father. He was a remarkable man and I feel privileged to have known him.

Mandy McKenzie
So sorry to hear this Liz. Your Dad was an amazing man - his smile always lit up the room.
Sending love xx

Ali Lemaitre
I know we’ve already been talking on WhatsApp about your sad loss today, but just going to join the condolences here too. Geoff was such a lovely man, so kind and generous. I know how close you were to him and just how much you’ll miss him in the coming years. He was such an inspiration - saddened by your loss dear friend, sending you lots of love and hugs. Always here if you need me ❤️xxx


Angus Morton
Sorry to hear this news. I, like very many people, have lovely memories of your Dad. I saw him as a most remarkable man who was so generous with his time and showed so much care and attention to anyone and everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and all the family x

Stephanie and Richard Harris
Stephanie and I are very saddened to learn of your Dad's passing.      We had known Geoff for many years, largely through the Solihull School Parents' Association and the regular Conservative dinners that he used to run.   He was such a delightful and enthusiastic person to be with, full of energy and ideas despite his advancing years.  And what a terrific life he led, judging by your piece.

Kathy Hall
Shocked and saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Thinking of your Mum at this sad time. They were a devoted couple. I’m a neighbour and lived in Alderbrook Rd for 30 years.

Kathleen Rogan-Pearman
As I said in my reply to your email advising me that your parents had gone into a Care Home; your father was "a perfect gentleman of the Olde School"!  Over the years I have often thought of both your parents - they are people whom one meets through life that one does not forget.

Please convey my sincere regards and sympathy to your mother, to yourself of course, and all family members.

Norman and Hazel Kaphan

We were so sorry to hear that lovely Geoff has passed.  Yours was a very moving tribute to a wonderful man.

My wife, Hazel and I only knew Geoff for a few years through the local Conservatives after we moved here from Surrey.  We particularly remember the Dining Club which he ran so successfully and with such elegance, but as so often happens when someone passes, only then do we hear about the many achievements in a lifetime.  We were previously unaware of everything Geoff accomplished and are in awe of all that he did.

Our sincere sympathy to you, Jean and your family. 


Julie Jones - Solihull School Parents Association President
I'm so very sorry to hear your news.  Please pass on our condolences to Jean and your brothers.  

Your Dad was very much loved by his friends at the SSPA and we often reminisce how he organised the Past Presidents' dinners with such pride.