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News
Patrick Sandeman dies in skydiving accident
Tributes have been pouring in over the weekend following the news that Patrick Sandeman, director of Lea & Sandeman, died in a skydiving accident in Cambridgeshire on Saturday.
Patrick Sandeman
After a collision with another skydiver 50 feet above the ground, which caused both men’s parachutes to collapse, paramedics were unable to save Sandeman, 53, while the other man is understood to be in a serious condition in hospital.
Sandeman leaves behind his wife, Katie, and their three children. His many friends from within the wine trade and beyond have expressed their shock and devastation at the tragic news, which has been widely reported in the UK and international press.
“A very bright light has been extinguished,” said Jancis Robinson MW on her website, describing Sandeman as “a total ornament to the British wine trade.”
A member of the Sandeman Port family, Patrick Sandeman was one half of multi-award winning London wine merchants Lea & Sandeman, which he established with Charles Lea in 1988 and had built up to four stores in Chelsea, Kensington, Barnes and Chiswick.
This is the 2nd person we have know in the last 3 years who has fallen to his death through skydiving. The other person was a talented photographer Sam Bailey.
Patrick Sandeman will be sorely missed by everyone in the trade who were fortunate enough to have met him. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and colleagues at this very difficult and sad time.
What miserable news on a wet and windy day. I came into Patrick’s orbit in the late eighties while we were both focused on Italy. Then through the Vintners we touched base regularly until that happiest of days on the Thames this year as part of the Queen’s flotilla on June 3rd, toasting Her Majesty with Champagne Legras, a favourite of us both. He died as he lived, doing what he loved. Our thoughts are with Katy and her children.
I’ve known Patrick from something of a distance for many years and have a lot of respect for him and his business. I feel very saddened to learn of his tragic and untimely loss. My deepest sympathies to his family and also to his business associates Charles and colleagues. Jeremy Belcher, Bardinet, France.
I only recently had the great pleasure of meeting Patrick. What a lovely man & so knowledgeable.
Sometimes life seems so unjust. My thoughts are with all his family.
I just read this sad news, and I feel very devastated. I hope these few words can, reach his family.
I met Patrick during my work experience at Selfridges in London. A very nice person, with a great simplicity and kindness, not a seller, but a great professional.
Patrick will remain as a great vintage, unique and inimitable.
Gabriel Rappo Italy
This news at the weekend has left me devastated. My brother Lee Clifford died 3 months ago to the day in a sky diving accident in Lancashire. I know what Katie and family are going through and its heartbreaking. I’m so, so sorry, Patrick looked like a lovely man.
Patrick was a gentleman totally without affectation and professionally as good as it gets. But he carried it off with the lightest touch and that inImitable smile as he rose to greet you from his office cellar. How we will miss him. Comment from Michael Edwards
Terrible loss. He was such a good man with great talent. His achievements along with him will be engraved in the hearts of the people as well as history. This news will inspire many to follow his path of success.