Remembering popular bus driver Graham

Graham Twigg worked for Mainline — First buses after the 1990s takeover — from 18 until retiring just before he turned 60.

He began in a “clippy” conductor role before gaining his public service vehicle driving licence at 21.

“He was well-known as a bus driver in Rotherham,” said daughter Kelly Johnson (41). “Away from work, he loved going on holidays.

“Benidorm, Costa de Almeria and Costa del Sol were his three favourite places to go. “Other than that, he liked his word searches and reading the paper.”

Graham retired from work when he was diagnosed with prostrate cancer at 59.

He died in hospital on February 9, aged 73, after suffering a cardiac arrest while being treated for pancreatitis.

“Even though he’d had his illness, this happened very suddenly,” said Kelly, of Dalton. “He had come to live with us in 2020.

“We had a log cabin built in the back garden, which was like a bungalow for him, and he loved it. It was just a shame he wasn’t able to spend more time living there.”

Graham was born in Rotherham, the youngest of six siblings. He is survived by two sisters, three daughters and eight grandchildren.

First South Yorkshire staff manager Simon Middleton said: “It was very sad when we heard the news that Graham had passed away; he was a character and always had a story to tell to amuse his colleagues.

“He was also known and recognised by many town folk in Rotherham as Burt Reynolds for his uncanny resemblance, which I’m sure he quite enjoyed.

“He was always very smart in appearance and one of ‘the lads’ and will always be remembered as a key member of our driving team.”