Richard T. Strudwick writes:

I SHOULD like to add two reminiscences to the obituary by Kenneth Shenton of Simon Lindley (Gazette, 21 March), both exemplifying his kind thoughtfulness.

In 1985, to mark my election as Prime Warden, the Guild of Mace-Bearers held its annual national conference in Leeds. An ecumenical service of thanksgiving was arranged at the RC Cathedral, to which I invited Simon to participate with the choir of Leeds Parish Church. This he readily agreed to do, bringing down the wrath of the Protestant Truth Society, who held an “anti-popery” demonstration outside the cathedral. At the service, the choir sang Simon’s beguiling Ave Maria.

Although I had no formal musical training, I have, over the years, composed many hymns, and a setting of the Ave Maria, which Simon generously arranged and which was subsequently published.

The City of Leeds mourns the loss of this adopted son, whose memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.