Today we said good-bye to gay rights campaigner George Montague, the self-titled “oldest gay in the village”.
A famous fixture of Brighton & Hove Pride who joined the parade year after year on his rainbow mobility scooter, George tirelessly fought to receive an apology from the government for a conviction for gross indecency in the 1970s. His mission, though ultimately successful, took 43 years.
Today at 1.30pm, 11 April 2022, the funeral procession left the home he shared with his husband and partner of 25 years, Somchai, on Marine Parade and, followed by Brighton & Hove Buses' Pride Diversity bus wound it's way through the city centre to Downs Crematorium for a one hour ceremony celebrating his life and achievements.
The Rev'd Colin Still introduced the proceedings that consisted of the music George loved as well as tributes from his family, daughter Paula and son-in-law David, Ian Woods of the Sailing and Cruising Association and Bryan Owen. There were even 2 pieces of music sung by George himself from old recordings – Wiegenlied and To Music.
