With lots of determination Geoff built several Bullnose Morrises from the chassis up and was also a happy owner of, inter alia, a Riley Monaco, Kestrel and various (and many) Minors.
Geoff was a passionate restorer of the old school where having to make do and mend was the order of the day.
I feel privileged to have known Geoff (and his wife Pat) for so many years. And it was lovely to have spent a couple of years living nearby in Sawtry about 20 years ago, so that we were able to spend time together. There was always a warm welcome and a cup of tea at the Old Plough. In fact, Geoff navigated on a local VSCC navigation rally with me in my old fabric saloon (see photo below). Indeed, the ex-Olive Willats fabric saloon KR 5670 which I now have with me here in Seattle was owned (twice) in the seventies by Geoff. I gave it a pat for Geoff. On one visit he let me drive his most recent Bullnose restoration. I recall that the steering was so sloppy it was almost undriveable above 20 mph - for me. But when Geoff took the wheel, we raced at breakneck speed through the lanes, Geoff grinning from ear to ear as I held on tightly! Happy days.
Many years ago, we first met when I was a young officer in the RAF and I bought a couple of Minors and a lot of spares from Geoff. We kept in touch since those early days. He also cared for my tourer VF 6700 for a time and I have a photo somewhere of the family cat perched on the spare wheel! I'll try to find it.
When I founded the Vintage Minor Register in 2000, I made Geoff our first Honorary Member for his service to Minors throughout his life. After myself and my son, he was the third member of the Register. I have never known a truer enthusiast and I will miss him and his infectious enthusiasm very much indeed.
He leaves behind his wife Pat, daughter Janet and son Jeremy and their children.
A full obituary will be included in the Winter Magazine. If anyone else has memories of Geoff, please post them here.
