It is such a tragic end to a remarkable man who touched so many with his kindness and sincerity. We will miss his Uncle like status in our family, godfather to Phillipa and Charlie and a regular visitor wherever the family has been, especially at Christmas.

It is 8 months since we saw him off to the airport in very disappointing circumstances on his withdrawal from the ARC Atlantic crossing in Las Palmas. He was not very well then and he started treatment soon after he was home.

Never did we think he was not coming back out to visit us again. Even 10 days ago he was planning a golf weekend in Cowbridge and a visit to us in Washington in September.

Now in Rockland, Maine and as befitting it is a wet and miserable day. Wilf is maintaining his sense for the moral high ground and we are all the better for it.

He had a great network of friends and his life touched us all.

We will let you know arrangements for his funeral when we know them.