The funeral of Hugh George, father of Liberal Democrat prospective Parliamentary candidate Andrew George, will take place next Monday, April 13, at Mullion Methodist Church.

Mr George, who is hoping to be re-elected as MP for West Cornwall next month, has written this tribute to his father.

Reginald Hugh George died on the evening of Wednesday, March 25, in a nursing home in Devon. Although he had spent recent years in that area, his heart was in his home parish of Mullion; to which he was determined to return.

He had Helston editions of local newspapers sent to him each week to keep up with news. He will be laid to rest in the parish next Monday.

He was a renowned horticulturist, businessman, grower, teacher/lecturer and supporter of community activities for decades in Mullion, following a long line of Georges and Thomases from that parish.

His father, Reginald Richard George was a prolific master mason and builder and his mother, Janie Thomas a former bookkeeper at Polurrian Hotel.

He was born on March 26,1929. After schooling at Mullion, Helston Grammar and Launceston College, Hugh entered national service with the Royal Navy in July 1947 until December 1949. Although he had excelled at college and as a sportsman, he suffered a life changing road accident in June 1951 which affected his mobility and future health.

He married Diana May Petherick in Teignmouth on December 18, 1954. They had eight children (Mark, Timothy, Andrew, Bridget, Michael, Peter, Rachel and Sarah). They tragically lost their eldest son Mark in May 2001 and second eldest, Timothy (husband of Ann and father of Justin, and Courtney), in April 2011. Both Hugh, Diana and the family were and remained deeply affected by these tragedies.

After leaving national service Hugh studied horticulture at Bicton College in Devon and also at Oaklands College in Hertfordshire where he studied alongside a young Alan Titchmarsh. The two became friends and competitive rivals; teasingly referring to each other in turn as “the Yorkshire puddin’” and “the Cornish pasty.” There they competed for prizes, but of course the Cornishman won, three to one against the Yorkshireman.

As well as running a two acre smallholding on land left by his father in Mullion, growing 27 different varieties of vegetables, fruit, flowers and shrubs, Hugh also had a small fishing boat in Mullion Cove. He ran a greengrocer round and, apart from pittosporum which was sent to Covent Garden in London, the majority of his produce was sold within a few miles to shops, hotels and guest houses and through his greengrocer “mobile shop.”

He also lectured in horticulture and glass house studies at the West Sussex School of Agriculture and elsewhere and taught horticulture and rural studies at Helston School, and dabbled in the holiday lettings trade in Mullion.

He was deeply committed to the local community serving as a Mullion parish councillor, secretary to Mullion Football Club, Mullion Cricket Club and the Royal British Legion branch and as trustee and supporter of many other voluntary, community and local charitable activities.

Following his father - who had been a trustee, secretary and Sunday School teacher - Hugh was a stalwart of the local Methodist Church (which was built by his Great Uncle Theophilus George). In spite of his substantial disabilities he played a full part at Mullion Cricket Club, as an outstanding wicket keeper who usually preferred “standing up” to the stumps no matter the speed or variety of the bowling.

He was an enthusiastic botanist, especially of the unique flora found on the Lizard peninsula. He was widely consulted for his expertise in identifying rare species, especially of course cultivated varieties, including unusual Cornish varieties of apple and cherry.

His enthusiasm for Mullion and family history meant that he amassed a large archive of records (though most were in his head) and often gave detailed answers to questions asked by those seeking information and records.

His commitment to Cornwall and all things Cornish drew him towards pro Cornish campaigns and also close cooperation with the late Len Truran, who had set up Dylansow Truran, publisher of Cornish texts, histories and polemics.

He will return to Mullion on Monday, April 13 when he will be laid to rest in the parish cemetery (not far from his son, Mark, and his parents and ancestors) following a funeral in the Methodist Church. He leaves his wife Diana, his sons and daughters, Andrew, Bridget, Michael, Peter, Rachel and Sarah and their families and grandchildren.

The funeral will take place at 1pm at Mullion Methodist Church, Monday 13th April. Funeral directors: R E Tonkin & Son, Lender Lane, Mullion, Cornwall, TR12 7HW.