ARGUS readers have paid tribute to campaigner George Montague, who died at the age of 98.

Mr Montague, who described himself as the ‘oldest gay in the village’, was a prominent and popular presence at Brighton and Hove’s annual Pride parades, passing through the streets of the city in a wheelchair decked out in colourful decorations.

He passed away peacefully on Friday with his husband Somchai by his bedside.

Reader David Joyce described Mr Montague as a “truly wonderful character and gentleman”.

He said: “I once picked him up in my car as I was driving out of Brighton Marina. He was walking up the exit ramp which as everyone knows is not for pedestrians. 

“Fearing for his safety I pulled over and offered to give him a lift to where he needed to be. He gratefully accepted and as I drove him towards the city we had a great little chat.

“I remember that encounter with fondness.”

'My favourite person to look out for'

Mary Funnell said that Mr Montague was “always my favourite person to look out for at Pride and speak with”, and said that his husband Somchai was always with him.

She said: “A few years ago, I remember him saying to me, that one of his dearest wishes was for there to be an elderly care home for gay residents locally, where the residents would have a lot in common and feel at peace.

“Highlighting his wishes may eventually mean the powers that be can make this happen (and also tailored homes for other particular sections of society), where peace and rest and having friends with a lot in common is beneficial to maintaining health.”

The Argus:

Argus reporter Jody Doherty-Cove said he had the pleasure of interviewing Mr Montague when he was seeking an apology for being charged for gross indecency due to his sexuality.

Jody said: “He was a steadfast campaigner with a great sense of humour, which was frequently on show during the annual Pride parades. 

“A personal highlight were the tin cans and 'just married' sign attached to his mobility scooter a few years back.

“He certainly used his many years to change the world for the better - putting smiles on faces along the way.”

'Inspiring'

On Twitter, Brighton resident Evan, who didn’t give his last name, described Mr Montague as a “prominent figure in our community”.

He said: “His visibility and campaigning were inspiring. I remember seeing him at my very first Pride and probably every single one since.

“We should honour his memory in this year’s Pride parade.”

'We'll be waving the rainbow flag for him'

The Peter Tatchell Foundation, a human rights organisation, also paid tribute to Mr Montague, describing him as “inspirational” and a “valiant campaigner who made his own mark”.

Organisers from Brighton and Hove Pride echoed the charity’s words, and said that he had been an important part of the Pride parade and a “tireless campaigner for equality”.

A spokesman for the event said: “George has been a prominent part of our community parade for so many years and it really won’t be quite the same without him.

“His campaigning led to changes in legislation and even a government apology.

“We’ll certainly be waving the rainbow flag for him and won’t forget him.”