Sir Edward Geoffrey LAKE

I have happy memories of Bill, going back to 1969 when, as a newly qualified Occupational Therapist, he interviewed me for a job in his art and pottery department at Claybury Hospital in Woodford Green. I warmed to him immediately, with his quiet warmth and gentleness, and I accepted the job with alacrity. Bill was a very special person and one whom I never forgot over the years. We wrote cards at Christmas every year since, without missing. I was fortunate to meet Judy on a couple of occasions and last saw them both when, returning from a visit to Scotland with my late husband, we called one afternoon for tea and a tour around 'High Acre', their eyrie above the Dee.
I got married in 1970, while working with Bill, and, unbeknown to me, he had been arriving early at work for what must have been weeks, hand throwing a beautiful coffee set, which he gave me as a wedding present. It was the most special and treasured gift and one I still use to this day. I think this kindness and care demonstrates Bill's exceptional character.
Bill shared my father's birth date and, I don't know why, I had a premonition that he had died. It is testament to Bill's modesty that, in all the years I knew him, I was unaware that he was son of and heir to a Baronetcy.
Dear Bill, I will miss your annual letter this Christmas and knowing that you were in this world.
My sincere condolences to Judy, Mark, Sophie and all the family.
Averil Campbell (nee Deayton-Groom)