Former trade-charity stalwart, trade-protection activist and long-term multiple licence holder Eddie O'Connor has died after battling a long illness aged 88.
A past-governor of the Society of Licensed Victuallers (the forerunner of the Licensed Trade Charity) and the Licensed Victuallers Schools during the year 1984-85, he passed away peacefully on 21 October.
Eddie O'Connor was something of a record setter, having raised more money for the LVS than any other individual, including a total of nearly £800,000 during his year as governor alone.
He was also a member of the SLV's Morning Advertiser Committee (during the time that the magazine was owned solely by the charity) for approximately 20 years and was chairman of that committee for seven years.
In addition he was a leading light in trade-protection work and clocked up more than 20 years as chairman of the Watney Mann Tenants Association.
He was also a former chairman and president of St Marylebone Licensed Victuallers Association (LVA), president of North London LVA and was a J&B Personality of the Year.
On top of all that he was a very successful licensee as tenant or owner of some 20 different pubs, at one time running an estate of 10.
He is survived by his son Tim, himself a former governor of the SLV and LVS, daughters Margaret and Geraldine, and five grandchildren.
His funeral will take place at 11am on Wednesday 3 November at St Agnes RC Church, 35 Cricklewood Lane, London NW2 1HR. For further details ring Tim O'Connor on 0208 458 5928.