George (Gordon) Tribute by Bob Pelham I am truly honoured to be standing here today. I am also unbelievably sad to be standing here today. It is too soon by far for George to have left us. My great regret is that I couldn’t be at his side when he decided to go. We thank Helen and Mel for being there at that important time. It could not have been easy. I first met George in the army, at a Territorial Army unit in Stoke Newington, Islington in 1955. He was introduced to me as Corporal G Mitchell. I called him George for the next 65 years. We immediately hit it off and he became part of my family. My children all called him Uncle George and though they are grown up, they still do. I once said to Helen, if you’re lucky you get one true friend in your life. That was George. He was always a real gentleman and held strong beliefs regarding behaviour and honesty and maybe at times could be a little stubborn. Everything was black or white, there were no grey areas. Once he had made his mind up about something there was no changing him. I served with George in London, Woking, Berlin and Bulford or Tidworth and we met up on occasions between these postings. In spite of his strong beliefs in truth and honesty, I did manage to lead him from the straight and narrow on a number of memorable and hilarious occasions. Even in recent times when his memory played him up, he would recall all our adventures as though they happened yesterday. He told me he used to get the blame for many of our misdemeanours. I found that very hard to believe. Over the years George did so much for my family and I. Some of my best memories of him were when we were in great difficulties he would suddenly appear out of nowhere with this great comforting smile on his face. He would then take charge and proceed to organise us in such a way that we didn’t know there was a problem. He would make everything right. What a man. I have been very fortunate to have been allowed to be Godfather to George’s only son Andrew. A better Godson I couldn’t wish to have. George later became Godfather to my son Gordon, and my grandson, Luke. He took Luke and my son Stephen who has learning difficulties on holidays and other great days out. I will always be grateful for the love he showed them I was privileged to be his best man, some 14 years ago when he married his beloved Jean whom he adored. My heart goes out to you Jean in your heart-breaking loss. You have been mine and Amanda’s great friend for many years and we would like it to stay that way please. I am so glad that you have Helen and John to lean on in these difficult times. They are towers of strength. George had many difficult years with hard knocks and heartache in his earlier years, but he never waivered or complained. I admired him so much and loved him like a brother. A true Gentleman, always. Bye for now my dearest friend, time to rest.