Tributes paid to colourful West Show legend Geoff
Tributes have been paid to one of Guernsey’s most colourful residents who died at the weekend.
Geoff Le Gallez, 73, was well known for his time as a St Peter Port parish handyman and as a local ferret expert, as well as for his big smile and friendly nature.
A memorial stand to Mr Le Gallez has been set up in a tent at the West Show by organisers, who form just a few of the many friendships Mr Le Gallez had made in his lifetime.
The memorial includes a photo of him in one of his iconic Union Jack suits, with his daughter Tessa Le Gallez, and displays his passion for ferrets.
Recalling Mr Le Gallez’s commitment to any task, dean of St Peter Port douzaine Barry Cash said that he was a unique character and an iconic figure in Guernsey life.
‘He was a great guy and he would always turn up in his red, white and blue suits with a top hat, he was such a colourful character,’ he said. ‘He was so proud of his roots and his allegiance to the crown – a true Guernseyman.’
Mr Le Gallez’s house on Ville au Roi always stood out among the rest due to his patriotic decor on Liberation Days and royal events.
When asked why he did it in a previous Guernsey Press interview, Mr Le Gallez said: ‘It’s nice to talk to people about what I do, and if it makes them smile it’s worth it.’
Mr Le Gallez had recently been given the all-clear from cancer, having the year before lost his wife Sandra.
Illness and bereavement did not stop Mr Le Gallez from attending the German Occupation Museum with friends every Friday.
He recently helped his friend Roy Burton celebrate his 94th birthday there.
Mr Burton said that he was shocked to be informed by museum owner Richard Heaume that Mr Le Gallez had died.
‘On the Friday he was joking with me about what we will do for my next birthday,’ he said.
‘When I found out that he’d passed away on the Sunday I was knocked for six.’
