I first met Vincent in the late 1960s through Maisie and Ivan Wright of Skipton. Ivan was a fellwalker and climber for many years, and Vincent wanted to start walking. Our first walk together was during an autumn half-term holiday, based in Keswick. It was then that I learnt of his many qualities. First, he was a true gentleman whose natural and charming manner was greatly appreciated by his family – his wife Shirley and their daughter Lynn, and friends alike. In 55 years of friendship, we never raised our voices at each other. ; He was a superb companion to have on any walk, long or short. He was an excellent artist and photographer, winning prizes for his pastels and watercolours. He was also a great man for Italian cookery and wine.
