Our father, Walter Henry Lane, was born in north London in 1935 and passed away on the 12th February 2021 at his home in Surrey. We are requesting donations instead of flowers in his memory, which will be passed on to his favourite cause – the local Arthritis Care Branch in Reigate. Walter was Treasurer of the branch for 15 years (only relinquishing his role the day before he passed), and was an enthusiastic organiser of the members' outings. His kindness and generosity will be remembered by many, as well as his love of fine wine and good food.

Walter attended Glendale Grammar School in Wood Green, leaving at sixteen to join a firm of quantity surveyors in Lincoln's Inn. Shortly afterwards he met our mother, Sheila, and they fell in love. Walter did two years' National Service in the RAF Regiment, stationed near Cologne in Germany. In 1956 Walter and Sheila were married, buying their first home in Wainscott, Kent, where Suzanne and Stewart were born. The family later moved in 1968 to "The Dutch Village" in Coulsdon, Surrey where shortly afterwards Giles was born. In 1978 they moved again to Tepestede in Garden Walk, Hooley. After all three children had left home, Walter and Sheila moved in 1994 to Church Hill in Merstham. Walter and Sheila made lifelong friends among their neighbours wherever they lived. Sadly, Sheila passed away in 2005 and Walter remained in their home until the end.

Walter moved from firm to firm in the quantity surveying world during the 1950s and 60s (e.g. Northcroft Nicholson, EC Harris, Shipway and others) – eventually being appointed to lead a group devising innovative computer libraries for the industry. In 1975 he was offered the chance to buy out the owners, which he jumped at, advised by his great friend, Ben Jewell. The group of firms he ran, Da-Tech Consultants, Da-Tech Copycraft, Sheridans etc, evolved into a specialist printing and professional services organisation, working internationally. Walter stopped working in London in 1991 but continued to run his professional services consultancy, Da-Tech Associates, until he finally retired in 2001.

Walter and Sheila both became involved in the local branch of Arthritis Care around 2002. In 2005 Walter became Treasurer and soon after became responsible for organising the members' outings to venues such as RHS gardens, National Trust properties and the like. He always would conduct his own "recce" visit beforehand to make sure the venue and, most importantly, the quality of the cream tea, was up to scratch. He made sure that everyone who wished to attend was able to – often picking up members in his car from their homes and driving them to and from the coach.

Walter was also a shrewd local operator, winning financial support almost every year from local councillors and getting to know many of the medical experts invited to give talks to the members. The branch remains vibrant and successful in supporting people suffering from arthritis (although Walter never did) through practical means as well as social. His efforts were also recognised in 2010 and 2017 with a Mayor's Community Award for volunteering. Walter would be pleased to know that his memory will help the branch continue its vital support for local people in the Reigate area.

Everyone who knew Walter will remember his love of gourmandising and especially of the noble grape. He was fantastic company, always gregarious and ready with a story, a good listener and a truly generous and welcoming host. The dinners he hosted – preparing and cooking all the dishes himself – at home in the last 15 years have become fond memories for many of his guests, as have the fine wines he delighted in sharing. He was a loving and exceptional husband, father and grandfather, deeply missed by all his family.

RIP Walter Henry Lane, 1935-2021

Suzanne, Stewart & Giles Lane

photo: Walter in one of his favourite restaurants, Sweetings, in the City of London, December 2019.