He was well known for his happy, approachable personality, dry sense of humour and year round tan, and it is also true to say that his weather predictions were completely accurate every time.
His dedication to the band was complete. He rarely missed an engagement, carefully planning around them to make sure he could take part and he attended band practices every week until recently when his health worsened.
It fair to say that the band was an important part of his life, his presence was a joy, and he left his mark on the band in a way that cannot be replaced.
He will be greatly missed.