A wonderful service was a fitting send-off for Laurie yesterday. There wasn't a spare seat in Eastbourne Crematorium as we paid our respects to the Grand Patriarch of the tightly-knit Hill clan. Practical, frighteningly intelligent and unstintingly patient and wise with those who sought his advice (and there were many who did), he was a truly remarkable man. An eloquent and emotional tribute from his son Peter was the perfect way to sum up what the man known universally as 'Gramps' meant to his family.

Rest in peace Laurie.