Tributes at funeral of TV journalist George House (From The Northern Echo)
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Tributes at funeral of TV journalist George House
12:11pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in News
FAMILY, friends and former colleagues of a pioneering television journalist gathered yesterday to say a final farewell to a “quiet, thoughtful gentleman”.
George House, 84, who died this month, was the first face on BBC bulletins in the region when they launched more than 50 years ago.
He worked on Look North for more than 15 years, developing a lifelong friendship with broadcaster Mike Neville.
Mr Neville joined Mr House’s daughter, Katherine, among the congregation at St Thomas’ Church, in Brompton, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, for yesterday’s service. He said Mr House was like a brother to him.
After his retirement, Mr House moved to Brompton with his partner, Sue Craven, who died in October.
The pair immersed themselves in community life, delivering meals on wheels together, while Mr House was involved in countless other local voluntary organisations, including the Northallerton and District Talking Newspaper for blind people.
Mr Neville, whose on-screen rapport with his friend was later transferred into a live stage show, said: “I first met him when I was 16, getting on for 60 years ago.
“We grew up together; we had the same stupid sense of humour, laughed at each other’s jokes and just had a wonderful time.”
Mr Neville, who read a poem during the service, which was attended by more than 100 people, described the last time he saw his friend.
He said: “He came to our house between Christmas and new year and we sat and talked for three hours, nonstop.
He was a great guy and he is missed.”
The Reverend Michael Snowball, who retired from St Thomas’ last year, returned to pay tribute to Mr House.
He said: “George was a quiet, thoughtful gentleman.
Most of all, I remember that voice; that lush, melodious voice, once heard, never forgotten.”
The Reverend Jonathan Cooper, who led the service, said he had been nervous about meeting Mr House when he moved into the parish, having heard about his illustrious past.
He said: “I need not have worried as George was not intimidating at all. He was a very warm and friendly man.”
A collection was made for the benefit of St Teresa’s Hospice, in Darlington, as well as church funds.
• The Northern Echo attended the funeral with the permission of Mr House’s family.
