Gavin Fox Memorial

 My condolences to you and your family for the loss of Gavin, one of the world's characters. He was an entertaining and amusing and interesting flatmate in the 80s when we both had rooms in our mutual friend Ron's house. I have always been fond of him and interested in his adventures.

Wishing you all well.

Gavin Fox, a Gentleman, with an extraordinary zest for life.

I met Gavin in Wellington New Zealand in 1966 when he joined the Ministry of Works where I had

been for a while. We were both immigrants to this beautiful country. He was a breath of fresh air in the drawing office with so many other moaning ‘poms’ at the time.

Our first adventure together was in early 1967 when he and his first wife Janet invited my late wife Hilary and me to a 4 day trip to the South Island in his new white Ford Anglia.

He was an adventurer and from Christchurch we managed to drive to Hermitage hotel to view the Southern Alps and Mount Cook, take a flight together around Cook and land up onto the Tasman glacier. We then ventured along the narrow dangerous road of Skippers canyon, a stay in historic Arrowtown and picturesque Queenstown, before heading back to catch the ferry back to Wellington. (The beauty and challenges of the mountains drew him to climb all the volcanic peaks in the North Inland over the next 3 years).

He taught me a few photographic tricks on this trip and we had a great time.

Another adventure together was a long weekend in New Plymouth where we sunbathed on the

black sands, relaxed and at one stage rowed on the City’s lake; Gavin deciding to imitate an

orangutan hanging from one of the footbridges. I managed to row back before his arms gave out. I also caught him on film, just, having a pee at the edge of a field overlooking the entrance to the

harbour.

We celebrated the move to the new MOW building with the staff and few drinks and a song or two from me.

When he and Janet moved to Tokoroa and then eventual away, to other worldly destinations in

August 1968 I lost track of him. But I managed to track him down in 2015 and we engaged in email

correspondence. I now have four of his books.

He and Liz invited us to stay in their south Scotland cottage for a few days in late 2018 during our UK visit and Sarah, my new partner and I, enjoyed the reunion. We are both keen modellers of radio controlled yachts and I will miss our chats together about modelling, the weather, governments’ idiosyncrasies and any other topics that have crossed our computers and phone calls.

Rest in peace my friend.

We were both very very sad on hearing of the death of Gavin.
He was a very cleaver and interesting man. We both liked him very much. He had many interesting stories. We were also both engineers.
He will be in both our minds on the sad day of his funeral.
Please express our condolences to his wife Elizabeth. 

Gavin was the best of brothers, the best of sons, and the best of friends. He was a wonderful, kind, generous, fun, adventurous, human being. I loved, respected,  admired him all my life, and I was blessed to have him as my brother. 

Elizabeth Fox (Liz),

I am very sorry for the loss of your husband Gavin. All throughout these years, since I met him for the first time here in Spain, also there in Scotland, he was always a gentleman and helpful with everything related to his uncle Ralph and his family.

He has been much appreciated as a truthful friend by everybody he met. I am going to inform of his death to the people of Lopera, to the mayor and to the different political parties in the city council. He was much appreciated in that village since the year 2000, when he arrived from Halifax on a bicycle with Eric Biddulph, in homage to his uncle Ralph Fox who died in the SCW fighting as a volunteer in the Internationals Brigades. He has returned several times: to organize an exhibition on his uncle Ralph Fox; to offer a conference at the University of Jaen; to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the IB Foundation. He published two excellent books on his experiences related to his travels to Lopera and the IB.

Thanks to his numerous published books, we have the opportunity to continue to have him present throughout the pages in his pictures and his texts. 

With my condolences.

 I first met Gavin through the Wednesday Wheelers probably in 2007. But we also got to know Liz as she and Gavin  were members of the RSPB Galloway Members as Group as were my wife Stephanie and myself. He was a good man and I will miss his  friendliness. Our condolences go to Liz and family. 

 Jude and I pass on our condolences to Liz and the family. Although we did not meet Gavin face to face, through our correspondence and his photo-book Building Katafigio, we got to know an adventurous gentle person with a great lust for life. We greatly enjoyed his letters and photos which describe a man determined to get the most out of life. Gavin was no couch-potato. Gavin struck us as a man on a mission to explore life to the fullest, an inspiration for many a younger person to follow. 

After such a busy life, may he rest in peace filled with satisfaction that he did indeed live his dream.

What a huge shock for you all , so sad , a wonderful life lived and many memories . My thoughts are with you all and wish you comfort during this difficult time 

I am very saddened to read of Gavin's passing - and only thankful that apparently, it was a short illness.  I send my warmest love and hugs to Liz.

Please do let me know if you stream the funeral, as both Lois and I will hopefully join you all (keeping in mind we live in Australia!)

It is many years - I think around the mid 1980s, when I first met Gavin through the local bushwalking club, and he became my "dodgy lodger" for about a year, here in Albury, while he was working on a contract with Borg Warner.  He was always a funny and thoughtful person, and I know he will be missed by all his family and friends.

It was always a hope of mine to one day get back to the UK and visit with Gavin and Liz and possibly hire a campervan and do a bit of travelling around with them - not to be.

I enclose a couple of photos taken in June 1996 when Lois and I undertook our 'great adventure' of cycling  through Europe for 5 months.  We started off in the UK (where we knew we could ride on the 'right' side of the road and speak (more or less) the language )  Gavin met us at Penrith Station and then acted as our guide through the Lakes District - being joined by his friend Chris to hike up Great Gable - where we gave him the pseudonym of "Downhill Gavin", because, while hiking up, up, up and still up, he would keep advising us that "it was all Downhill from here"!  It was quite some time later when his predictions finally became fact

Please accept my condolences on your loss of Gavin - a real character, and I enjoyed his stories immensely. 

I first met Gavin in a camp site in New Zealand late 1966.   My Wife Laurine  and I  were taking it easy when I spotted a tent similar to ours at the far end of the field, an unmistakable Blacks of Grennock. We walked over and there was Gavin and his then wife Janet.
Laurie and I were not long married in Australia, we moved to N.Z. and explored the country camping nearly every week end.
I had travelled to Australia with three mates in a bedford van couple of years or so earlier,
When Gavin heard of this he was very interested.  Told him I had contacted one of my travelling mates and ask him if he would be interested joining myself and Laurie for trip around America.
On hearing this Gavin was very attentive and asked if he and Janet could come with us.
The up shot was my Mate Colin and his wife Val, Gavin and Janet myself and Laurie, we took off to America and had a great adventure but that one gave him a thirst for travel that was never quenched.
The rest is history since that trip which he made into one of his early books “ North to Alaska” Gavin has had so many adventures. and many achievements .
Condolences to Liz who we met a couple of times, and we are very sorry for her loss.  We were very saddened to hear the news. 
Malcolm and Laurie Pask 

My Dad, Graham Simpson  was a life long, close friend of Gavin's. He was my Dad's best man. They shared many walks & rides together. My Dad sadly passed away last year. My sincere condolences. 

I met Gavin in October, 1972, in Sydney, Australia.  I had just arrived     from South Africa at the age of 20.  I did not know anybody in the country and Gavin was my first friend.  I was a bit lost and he, and his first wife, Janet, took care of me.  We met when I was working for Colin and Rosie Swale, preparing their catamaran, Annaliese, for its now-famous voyage around Cape Horn.  Gavin had been schooled by Colin's father.  Gavin and I were very close for many years, sharing our mutual love of sailing, and lived in the same boatyard for some time, when he was building his beloved yacht, Katafigio.  The last time we were together, on his final visit to Australia a decade or so ago, I took him sailing around Magnetic Island, Far North Queensland, in my yacht, Arion.  He was an endlessly entertaining character, telling stories, giving slide-shows of his travels, etc.  He could be a clown.  I remember going out with him one night in the early days, where he got up on a table and danced with an umbrella, to the delight of the crowd.  In my youth, many of my friends were 10-20 years older than me, travellers and sailors usually, whom I befriended around the waterfront.  Gavin was almost the last survivor of that time, and his passing fills me with grief.  Vale, old friend. 

Have known Gavin for over 60 years. I met him first when he lived near Halifax, visited him in Sydney, Australia, entertained him at my late husband’s and my home in Knaresborough, stayed with him in Scotland and generally known him on and off for a very long time. I shall miss him and all his tales whilst remembering the many stories he wrote and printed of his life and happenings. My very sincere condolences and love to all his family. 

The end an era. I first met Gavin  in 1968 working together at Dean Smith & Grace. Keighley and have been friends ever since. His passing away has revived many happy memories. He will be sadly missed . 

Sincere condolences to Liz and extended family. I knew Gavin in Sydney like Susie, but Gavin’s Mum Trixie and my mum Maie Hall from Beadnell Northumberland became friends. This was through meeting Gavin in Oz and then getting our UK Mums together. Small world indeed. Happy memories and sad times as well.   

Gavin and my Dad were friends. My dad sadly died in 2013, but Gavin and I kept in touch. They went together to the same school but met later in life when Gavin cycled down to Lopera (Spain) to see his Uncle Ralph’s memorial for when he was killed in the Spanish Civil War at the battle there.
We then went to see Gavin and Liz in Scotland and we had a great time. It was actually around this time. We were in Scotland on 9/11.
What a great guy! I loved all his adventures.
I am really sorry for your loss.
Love, Diana x
Cristina Petrescu de G ha fallecido Gavin. 

Please give my condolences to Liz.  Gavin will be sorely missed. 

We are so sorry to hear of Gavin’s passing, please send our sincere sympathy to Liz and tell her we are thinking of her.
We are part of ‘the gang’ in Sydney and Gavin and I shared the same Birthday albeit a few years apart.
Kindest regards,
Susie and Tony Teo  

Vale Gavin, a great personality with hundreds of good friends. He lived a very full and adventurous life. Terrific story teller and sense of humour. My heart goes out to all his family and friends. He will be missed on this earth 

I knew Gavin in Australia, mostly in the seventies and eighties, and met Liz once when they both visited Australia more recently. My sincere condolences to Liz. Great memories of Gavin, building his boat, playing tennis and partying. In particular, I remember one of his party dances. A great entertainer! Sorely missed! Regards. Bruce and Pon Johnson. 

I was saddened to hear of Gavin’s passing. We were friends for many years rubbing shoulders in between various travel adventures. Initially we met when he was returning from some far flung place and I was heading out to play music in Hong Kong. He rented our house on the moor at Ogden. We became great friends with oh so much in common. I will miss Gavin a great deal. A true inspiration. Condolences to Liz 

Gavin was an old friend of my wife and I from his time in Sydney. We met in the early seventies and shared walks, talks, drinks, parties and tennis. And parties. At his house, at the boat building site and at the (in?)famous River Road house. He wore his arm in plaster at my wedding after an unsuccessful attempt to climb through a second story bathroom window of the house he then shared with Janet. He had arrived home late (very) and a little inebriated and without keys. He either didn't want to wake Janet or she didn't want to let him in - I can't remember which.  Later we had a tennis group playing at courts in Ryde. Gavin and I often partnered each other in doubles. We were both bald, bearded and left-handed. From then we called each other 'brother'. The last time I saw Gavin was on his last visit to Sydney with Liz and the four of us dined together. After that there was occasional contact by facebook which showed that our love of travel, support of worthy causes and our politics were still well aligned.  My sincere condolences Liz, and to family and many many friends. We always said that Gavin was a 'people collector'. Love to all and vale Gavin. Peter and Erica Wallace. 

What a shock. We are away from home but just wanted to send condolences to Liz and family . Gavin has been a part of Rothwell lives for over 60 years and I will send you more insights and thoughts when we get home. Many many condolences and Vale a very special guy and character. Bryan Rothwell 

Gavin was a member of the Fox family, his father who I remember as Uncle Sam and my father who he would have remembered as uncle Bill were brothers. I am a bit vague on family history but I remember childhood visits to Halifax where generations of the Fox family  had lived for many years. We would visit Uncle Sam and his wife Trixie and their three children, Sam , Gavin and Jo. I remember them living in a rather windswept old  Victorian house which I think was a former parsonage. It seemed to me as a child like something out of a Bronte novel. Gavin eventually left for fields much further afar. We would meet up at funerals and family celebrations and I would hear of his great rides across Algeria and of course the greatest of all to Lopera in Spain. He cycled from Halifax to this village in southern Spain where our Uncle Ralph was commemorated in a statue. He had been killed in the Spanish Civil War. From what I can remember Gavin was welcomed by the mayor and treated as an honoured guest, being the nephew of this hero of the Spanish Civil War. These are  my memories of long ago but I hope they record something of his past accurately. 

We only new Gavin for a few short years but loved his zest for life. We enjoyed a visit to  Gavins and Lizes wonderful home in Rockcliff in 2016 and they made us very welcome. Will miss them both at the Autosleepers rallies .Lois and Tim Race . Lots of love and our deepest condolences to you and all the family. Love to Liz please 

Fairwell Gavin. old mate. I am glad we got together on my last trip to UK in 2018 . I remember what you said before I left, that we would probably not see each other again. that sounded odd to me at the time. But I guess we did have some good party's in Annandale and at Swallow Marine at Terry Hills. It's good to see the old photos of yesteryear, we first meet in 1975. I was hoping to meet up with you again there is so many stories I could tell. I hope you are ok Elizabeth.  Farewell Gavin From the land down under. From your old flat mate and friend  Ron Harris Australia 

 Firstly my condolences to Liz, you and your family, on the passing of what can only be said, as…a one of a kind man!

Gavin and I started corresponding some 15 years ago when he tracked me down as the current owner of Katafigio. He was seeking to discover what had become of his ‘baby’ and found me through an advertisement I had placed on the internet as a Brisbane based Yacht Broker looking to sell her for a previous owner. Once we connected and much to his delight, I had decided to buy her for myself and knew her full history. From memory, this must have been around 2006.

He and I began, what I feel for both of us, was a long and close relationship via email, primarily discussing the yacht that held a very special place in both our lives. This journey followed her passage from Brisbane to Sydney and on to Cygnet in Tasmania. The information exchanged in these emails contributed in part to the series of four books he went on to publish about Katafigio. He even concluded the series with a book based solely on the emails we exchanged over those years.

Reading back through that book yesterday, with a heavy heart, after learning of his sad departure – I realised that a lot more of our lives were embedded in those texts than just Katafigio. They became a window into our lives over that long period of time.

It’s sad to think that he and I developed a close friendship without ever meeting in person, I am sure that we would’ve talked for hours if we had. My only hope is that when Katafigio’s new owner John Devereaux and I take her out for the next sail into Tasmania’s picturesque D'Entrecasteaux Channel, he will join us in spirit…as a valued crew!

RIP Gavin Fox. 

 Way back in 2001 Gavin & Liz invited us to stay with them at a cottage
on the Costa del Sol, neither of us had ever been to Spain ( nor had any
desire to go).However Gavin was quite persuasive & in March that year
off we went. Little did i know at the time that would be the first of 21
visits (so far !!!).I now have a collection of over 8,000 images taken
all over the country. I must thank Gavin & Liz for introducing me to such
a fantastic country, though possibly not for the large hole in my pocket !

I will miss Gavin for all the stories we shared regarding travels, I am
almost has bad as him for getting carried away with stories. 

It was with great sadness that yesterday, I heard of Gavin’s death.  When I last saw him, before lockdown, he was well and I had not heard otherwise since.

My last memory of him was at his home where we had a very pleasant afternoon looking at the publications  of, and discussing  some of the remarkable experiences on his trips. He also showed me his  enormous model railway which was an accurate scale model of the area around Hebden Bridge where, as a boy, I had fished on the canal . The details were remarkable, but then again he was a remarkable individual who I first met nearly twenty years ago when I joined the Royal Scottish Geographical Society Committee and I can remember several occasions when, at our illustrated talks, and when the speaker was recounting their  journeys, I was reflecting that Gavin had undertaken some of them several years before!

He was a very modest and unassuming man/ He was, in one way, one of Dumfries’ unsung heroes and should be remembered.

 Dear Elizabeth, It is with great sadness that we have heard of the passing of Gavin, it's not been that long since we were in touch via email, we did not know he was ill, we hope you are Ok, 

All our love.  John and Barbara Greaves ( ex Halifax and now in Melbourne Australia )

I met a Gavin only three times, all in connection with Ralph and the International Brigade, but I remember him vividly as a man whose heart and mind, whose values and thinking, were always progressive and inclusive.  He evinced a distinctive singularity but a warm comradeliness, a good man to have known.
Mike Freeman, Sowerby 

 With my late husband I have lived here, next door to "The Curatage" in Pinfold Lane for many years, from 1973 - The family had flown the nest  - we had great respect for Sam & Trixie Fox - lovely neighbours for a long time.
I am Sowerby born & bred  - Sam,Gavin & Jo all contributed to my second book about Sowerby - "Sowerby Tales"
Gavin used to call & see us when visiting the area - one visit he had a Spanish friend with him - from Lopera where Ralph Fox is a hero. 

 So very, very sorry to hear of Gavin's passing. We only knew him for a few short years, when we lived in Milton Keynes and he visited Simon and Amanda who lived next door to us. He was a true gentleman - funny, intelligent and with a host of interesting tales to tell. He was so full of energy, and I truly lost sight of his age. It cheered me up no end when he and Liz visited. What a life he led, and I am so glad we knew him, if only for a short time. 

My sincere condolences to Liz, Simon, Amanda and the boys, and the rest of his family. I can see that he will be missed by so many

 After 60+ years of involvement with Gavin I struggle to find the words to do justice to an extraordinary man who touched the lives of so many people. Many of us lived aspects of our lives vicariously through his experiences and of course he sacrificed aspects of our lives as a consequence, (a career worthy of his talents, children, financial stability and a home until with Liz in Rockcliffe) But what a life of worldwide experiences in which he always found a way to contribute back in some way making the ordinary experience extraordinary!

Highlights are almost impossible across 60+ years but apart from transporting the finished boat from Terry Hills to Sydney Harbour and launching it into the water as I hung onto a Greek maiden smashing a bottle of champagne across the bow and naming it Katafigio maybe one Christmas in the 80's stands out. I was at a North Shore Hotel with my wife Pauline (Janet's sister) and two children along with a family of friends from Queensland having a Christmas Dinner and Gavin came to join us. After good food and drink Gavin decided that the atmosphere in the dining room was too austere. He spoke to the manager and the small 4 piece band and set in motion a full scale Conga around the dining room partnered by a mature aged lady guest of similar spirit and eventually had the whole dining room up dancing plus staff and wandered all over the ground floor reception, kitchens, offices and lounge rooms of the hotel elevating the event from ordinary to extraordinary as was his style!

Sincere condolences to Liz and family and to Gavin's sister and brother our thoughts are with you all. Vale Gavin, one of a kind.

I was deeply upset by Gavin's illness and death. As he was only 13 months younger than myself we were virtually identical, particularly when we reached our teen years. We both had the same interests and were keen cyclists. As members of the Halifax branch of the CTC we covered many miles in the Dales, Derbyshire and Yorkshire on our Sunday outings.

Later on we were both engineering draughtsmen, though involved in very different branches of the profession. On retirement we kept in touch by visiting Gavin and Liz in their Scottish home and their camper van turning up at our home. Later when such travelling was beyond my ability we kept in touch by regular long telephone conversations when we put the world to rights.

I very much regret not being able to attend Gavin's funeral because of my restricted ability and present illness but will be there in thought and spirit. Bon voyage Gavin.

One of life’s true characters has pedalled away.
I have known Gavin all my life and he had a huge impact on me as a child hearing tales of adventures far and near.
My parents, Hilda and Person Lawther, were active members of Halifax Cyclist Touring Club  (now Calderdale CTC) when Gavin joined as a teenager. Gavin soon became an active member and obviously made a huge impression as I remember his name being frequently spoken of as he started out on his many adventures. 
The club’s winter program of members slide shows would feature Gavin as a regular contributor. He enjoyed photography and recording his travels which he would share with the club. Gavin’s evenings were always well attended and he never failed to deliver an entertaining and fascinating insight into his journey. A great raconteur and he was happy to talk late into the night.
Even after moving away from Halifax Gavin would return to generously give his presentations and one year, be the speaker at the clubs annual dinner.
Gavin was certainly an inspiration to myself as I set out on my own cycle tour travels, he was someone I looked to as a great adventurer and a person with a fabulous zest for life.
At our last meeting in Skipton he was proudly telling me of the photo books he’s published but typically Gavin, he was strongly encouraging me to do the same.
An inspirational man and one who truly lived his life to the full.
My deepest sympathy to Liz and all his family and friends.

Mike and I were very sorry to hear the sad news about Gavin. We have nice memories of Gavin and Liz running their B&B in Rockcliffe and they helped us a lot when we came to this lovely area. We liked to hear about Gavin's travels and enjoyed his slide shows he gave to various local groups. He will be sadly missed by many locals. Love to Liz from Pat & Mike Abery 

We were lucky enough to have known Gavin over quite a long time now.
Gavin has been a jovial personality who has been by Liz s side for many years, also involved in many aspects of life in Scotland and the wider world.
He has many entertaining tales of his travels around the globe, writing many down in his journals which bring the more off the beaten track places to people who are not able to visit them.
Gavin had a kind demeanour, with a quiet whit and appreciated being involved in all the family activity, chatting to all generations with seamless effort. We will remember those qualities and try to use them in our own lives as I’m sure he d want us to do.
Rest in peace
love
Nina, Alex, Charlotte and Emily xx 

Have heard about Gavin's death from my Mum and Dad. Gavin was Dad's cousin. I had heard about but never met Gavin until a shared interest in Ralph Fox, his uncle and my great uncle, brought us together about 3 years ago. He and Liz came to Manchester to stay with us along with our mutual friend Carmelo Gomez, from Lopera, where Ralph had died fighting in the Spanish Civil War. We met up with my Mum and Dad in Halifax and found the memorial bench dedicated to him as well as the family grave where he is commemorated, although sadly, not actually buried as his remains were never found.
It was a lovely weekend and a great way to get to know Gavin and Liz. We will always have fond memories of Gavin despite such a short acquaintance. I'm sure he will be greatly missed. 

Best wishes to you all,

Ed, Ana and Emilio 

 “I feel myself privileged to have known Gavin for some 70 years of friendship, travel and socialising.  Always willing for an outing on foot, by bicycle, by car, train, aeroplane or boat, Gavin’s wanderlust took him all over the world, meeting and making friends and colleagues.  Always a keen photographer, he leaves an extensive record of his travels through his photographs and books. 
Latterly, we used to catch up on the phone frequently and having spoken to him in hospital, I was shocked and saddened to hear of his demise, a loss to humanity.  In the early days, two members of our group lived on Westbourne Terrace, hence the name Westbourne Wheelers.  As a group, we cycled all over the UK and Europe.  Sadly, only two of the group now survive.  Sailing skills were developed on Lake Windermere - happy days.
So goodbye to a man never daunted by a challenge or travel adventure - he will be sorely missed  RIP Gavin Fox”
We will be thinking of you all on 5 October
With best wishes
Paul and Judith 

I do thank you, Liz and Simon for sharing such a nice insight into Gavin's life and add that Gavin visited Mum and Dad in Seatoun, Wellington and it was where I was introduced to Gavin. I believe Dad knew Gavin through Janet's family in Ripponden where he was born and grew up, eventually moving to Halifax. As a family, we emigrated to NZ in 1958,as did many families from this area. Hopefully we shall be able to view funeral, so much appreciated.

It leaves us to wish you and your family well, Simon and to Liz especially, much strength for you at this sad time. 

THE LIFE CHANGER

As I write these words ,I can hardly believe that my friend of almost 50 years is no longer with us, so I send my deepest condolences to you dear Liz.

I first met Gavin in somewhat exceptional circumstances- on the deck of a very rickety liner

during a force 8 gale in the middle of the Indian Ocean!  It was late at night, sheeting with 

rain, the mountainous seas lit up with constant sheet lightening. He was the only person 

brave enough to be out on deck as the vessel violently pitched and rolled to a terrifying degree. In spite of the dangers, I felt I had to meet him ! He greeted me with with a wry smile saying" Bit bloody choppy tonight !"

As it transpired, we had one thought in common - a deep fear that if the vessel was to founder, at least we wouldn't be entombed below decks- we would simply jump together and pray ! So began a lifetime of friendship.

As I got to know him, both on the voyage to Australia and later at his house in Sydney, I was rapidly imbued by his enthusiasm for making friends and undertaking challenging adventures.

He encouraged me to grasp opportunities as they presented themselves, never looking back, always looking on the bright side, ever positive, optimistic and enthusiastic.

In short ,he was the touch paper which ignited my latent enthusiasm for travel and adventure, and in the process changed the whole course of my life. 

So dear Gavin, let us all try to pack as much into life as you did and in the process pass on the baton to others that follow.

Your old pal Stephen.

Remembering Gavin with great affection. A lovely man who will be sorely missed. A life well lived.

RIP Gavin. 

 Fond memories of a lovely man who lived life to the full. RIP Gavin. 

 Circa 1960. I met Gavin via our mutual friend Paul Heaton. I owe them both for introducing me to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales where we hiked many mountains and hills and sailed large yachts on Lake Windermere. I became one of Gavin’s “followers.” Gavin and I successfully did the 40 mile/24hour Lyke Wake Walk with his father and Mr Stainforth. Sailing was always eventful where perhaps it shouldn’t have been and included occasional grounding and futile attempts to sail onto the pontoons! Once, after a boozy lunch at a lakeside hotel, on returning to the yacht we sank the dinghy due to overloading and high jinks. Gavin’s wallet escaped as did some pound notes (a rare event) and his attempts to recover such were hampered by others doing similar and claiming salvage rights. Gavin and Janet sometimes visited our home and on one occasion showed us films/slides of their amazing trip to Alaska  and on another occasion we watched the Moon landing together and sometimes did local walks around Skipton. Gavin began his Wider World Travels by briefly joining the Merchant Navy, followed by emigration to Australia and New Zealand and afterwards to very many places. Gavin had a gift of making friends with anybody, anywhere, and he once told me this came in very handy for having welcoming accommodation in many parts of the world. We played a part in this when we welcomed him on two occasions to our home in Singapore when he was en-route to Australia. He repaid our hospitality in full and even more so when I visited Australia for long periods. He assisted my social life by introducing other friends and sailing in some spectacular yachts. 

KATAFIGIOI was present when Gavin began to build her and later when she was virtually finished and anchored in Lane Cove in Sydney. It was Gavin’s dream to build her and his dream came true and she was and is a beautiful yacht. Gavin used to update me about the places where she has been and the people who bought her and cruised her extensively around the Pacific and Australia / New Zealand. 

Little KATAFIGIA.

As well a building BIG K he also built (in Scotland) a beautiful radio controlled model. He kept me updated on its progress and I believe it functioned well.

We then went to Africa for almost 20 years and lost touch with Gavin and other friends. Returning in 2005, contact was re-established and of course there was lots to talk about between us. In 2009 we were able to stay with Gavin and Liz in Scotland for my 70th birthday when we enjoyed a night out and a good meal, although my raucous laughter and loud voice may have caused some concern. Since then Gavin occasionally called  to see us in Halifax en route to the Midlands and we spoke regularly on the phone. We last spoke May/June this year but there was no mention of his health and it was without question a great shock when we heard of his passing. Dear Liz, we will miss Gavin very much and we are so very sorry for your loss. Few people are lucky enough to have met and known for long periods some exceptionally friendly, interesting and likeable people and in my life I can claim only a few and Gavin was definitely one of them. He will be sorely missed and long remembered.  

I was allowed to visit Gavin in Dumfries R.I during his last few days, along with my partner Marion.

Although I had known Gavin for 20+ years, we more recently met regularly, each Friday as a result of Covid lock down, because I was shopping for Liz at M&S, for her gluten free choices. I always looked forward to our little chat, and hear how Gavin would right-the-World.

He always spoke so highly of his family and with such affection! He always cherished his life and his many experiences.

So many of these tributes describe a man of great humour and imagination, a loyal friend, photographer, Model-maker, Yacht-builder, who travelled extensively, did many cycling expeditions and self-published books about his travels.

I am the current owner of the tandem on which Gavin and Liz had many adventures.

Gavin, you will be missed by so many,