I'm not not much of a one for celebrity worship, but his passing has made me realise that he was quite a formative part of my childhood. I don't think that his 'University Challenge' has ever been bettered as a quiz show for those who like to absorb odd information...Impossible to watch without learning useful things and he really seemed to delight in the correct answers. ‘His learning was worn lightly and smilingly’: Mark Lawson pays tribute to Bamber Gascoigne
I agree, he always seemed cheerful and supportive. My sister and I used to watch often and hope to answer one or two questions, sometimes surprising our Dad with our newly acquired knowledge.
I met him once back in the 70's at Heathrow. I think it was when I caught a Pan American flight to Stavanger, going on the Bogen Fjord by Braathens SAFE. There were two of us in a large empty hall so he came over and sat to have a chat. Seemed a very nice friendly guy. Not sure where he was going.
He was often seen in Richmond-upon-Thames were he had an amazing looking house (not the estate he inherited recently) alongside the river path between Richmond Lock and the town itself.
