I only met him the once at a Christmas time "do" round at Garbutt's house. Vin had a road accident many years ago (before mobile phones, E.mails ) in Australia, and was in hospital for a short time. Geoff was over in Oz and read about the mishap to this English folksinger (previously unknown to him) and proceeded to visit Vin in Hospital. Vin was overwhelmed by his invalauable offer of any assistance (contacting people at home etc.,) - and Vin often recalls just talking to someone like Geoff at a difficult time , gave him great relief.
When time moved on and Geoff joined "Heartbeat" which was set not too far from Vin's home in N.Yorkshire it gave them a chance to renew their friendship - which I know was most valued by Vin and Pat.
A lover of folk music as already documented by others in this thread he loved his Bodhran which he played well the night we met, truly a good Samaritan ,and a very unassuming, decent , humourous guy who gave pleasure to millions including me.
p.s. Many Dutch people loved "Keeping up Appearances", and, his banging the Tele to make the programme re-ppear made him a well loved character !!!.

Thanks Geoff , and Rest in Peace.
Betsy