I was a committee colleague of Gerard's for many years and counted him amongst my closest friends. As a concierge, he was at the top of his profession, truly, a giant in the concierge world. His contacts and willingness to help colleagues from lesser properties than his grand Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel was one of his strengths. There wasn't a restaurant in London where his recommendations were much sought-after, so he was the last port of call for me when trying to book a top class restaurant for that special guest.  He never let me down, and he always did it with such grace. At international gatherings of Les Clefs d'Or, to which he and his lovely wife Mary were regular attendees, he was always afforded a special welcome - everyone in the wider concierge community knew Gerard, and those who didn't soon warmed to his charm and good nature. He mixed with the world's rich and famous, yet was discretion personified. He could have told stories but he didn't, he was the ultimate professional.

On a personal level, he enjoyed a joke, was never hesitant to join in the fun even to the point of making fun of himself. I remember many special occasions, but the biggest laugh was when he turned up for a meeting in Edinburgh to meet with our Scottish colleagues, wearing a Tam o' Shanter, resplendant with a wig of red hair! He looked amazing! He wore it everywhere with his usual good humour and good grace, which was his hallmark. None of us will forget his love of 'Les Bleus', coming from South West France, his love of Rugby was there for all to see, and hear, if you were daft enough to stand anywhere near him ;-)

He was struck down with an incurable cancer, and typical of him, took it on the chin. He let the members know that he was going to fight it every step of the way, and never gave the impression of feeling downhearted - he was the same Gerard, a ready smile, a firm handshake and a wonderful man.

With heartfelt sympathy, and love to Mary and family.

Ron
Ron Crowdy, former president Society of Golden Keys.