I WOULD like to thank the Rev Ian Johnson for conducting the service of thanksgiving in honour of the late John Guilmant, at a packed St Mary's Church.

The Daily Echo recently described John Guilmant as Mr Southampton, he was and more. There were great tributes from the scouting fraternity, family, friends and veteran council leader Alec Samuels.

I knew John for a few decades and I was greatly impressed by his civic pride and encyclopaedic knowledge of local history. But what I remember him most for, was that even in his 90s; he was still thinking, talking and writing of Southampton's great future.

A good man who was so proud of his city, he will be sadly missed.

PAUL MALESKI, Southampton.