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By John Kaponi
The Editor of The London Daily News pays tribute to Big George Webley who died suddenly at the age of 53.
London has lost a great man, England has lost a patriot, BBC London has lost one its most hard working broadcasters, and I have lost a very good friend, a brother even.
George and I met whilst he was broadcasting his overnight show on BBC London, on the graveyard shift, and I was a listener to his show, every night when I worked in my office. I used to call in and would always be put on air, to express my views, and gradually we forged a friendship with him inviting me to review the newspapers.
George and I not only worked together but also became close friends, I liked George tremendously we would talk about life, eat fish and chips together and exchange experiences on our lives.
What impressed me about George is this simple fact, he would give a platform to anyone, and would fight his corner in a gentlemanly fashion. He wanted BBC London radio to allow people to express their true views, not the politically correct stuff that so many would trot out. George was a proud Englishman, a Londoner, a man of music, that’s why I always had time for him. He said exactly what he believed.
When I heard the news of his passing, from one of George's oldest callers Steve "from Gatwick" I went into shock and then started to cry, because we are all poorer for losing George, he was a generous spirit, who loved life.
I last saw George on the morning of the Royal Wedding, when I came into the studio to give my review of the newspapers, we promised we would go for a fish and chip supper soon, and I looked forward to seeing him in my house also.
George my good friend you helped me so much in my work, I will miss you tremendously. Rest in Peace my good friend. My deep condolences to his family.
John Kaponi and The London Daily News
View my last video with George on BBC London
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