Charles Hamer passes away aged 67

Charles Hamer, the former marketing director and racing director at Pol Roger Portfolio, has died aged 67.

Charles Hamer (left) at the presentation for The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase Cheltenham, 28 January 2017 Picture credit: Steven Cargill / Racingfotos.com

Charles passed away peacefully, at home, on 1 December last year. Formerly of the Pol Roger Portfolio many of the sponsorships and relationships that he brokered, such as the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, remain in place to this day.

Before joining the wine trade Charles had a successful career in the fabric industry, and founded Turnell & Gigon in 1982.

Described has having a “fantastic eye and razor-sharp judgment”, his lifelong passion other than wine was horse racing.

Pol Roger Portfolio’s managing director James Simpson MW, said: “Charles was a warm, kind and interested friend and mentor to all at Pol Roger Portfolio. He always found the time to talk to each and every member of the team and was endlessly helpful and encouraging; his enthusiasm was infectious. Charles was a truly lovely man, whom we will all miss greatly.”

Charles is survived by his wife, Marthe, and daughters Celia and Sophie.

A memorial service will be held at 14.00 on Thursday 30 January at St. Mary’s Church, Battersea Church Road, London SW11 3NA, followed by a reception at The Woodman, 60 Battersea High Street, London SW11 3HX.