TRIBUTES have been paid to a passionate chorister with a “boisterous personality”.
Jeff Maitland, of Brynford, who died on January 9, was a committed member of Côr Meibion y Fflint (Flint Male Voice Choir). He joined in January, 2005, and rarely missed any of the twice weekly practices or concerts.
Mr Maitland was originally from London but, after learning to ride a motor bike at the age of 64 he went on a tour of the UK, discovered North Wales, fell in love with the place and moved to the area shortly afterwards.
His good friend and fellow chorister Mike Stenhouse described him as having a “huge personality”.
“He was a big talker and just a ball of fun.
“Despite his broad cockney accent, he learned to sing a very passable rendition of Welsh songs and was very proud of this achievement.
“He particularly loved singing his favourite piece, Myfanwy.”
Mr Maitland, who was also a keen Freemason, had a hole in his heart which had prompted a long history of treatment including a quadruple bypass.
He leaves friend and companion Collette Hickie, and children Steven, Linda and Susan.
He will also be sadly missed by his friends in the choir, where he was a member of the committee.
Musical director Huw Dunley said: “Jeff was a classic example of what you can achieve in music if you put your mind to it.
“We will miss him in the back row of the baritones.”
Choir chairman Gwyn Lloyd-Hughes said: “Whatever Jeff took on he did it well.
“He was an excellent recruitment officer for the choir and transformed the management of our uniforms when he took over as wardrobe-master.
“He was a brilliant contributor to the choir.”
Friend and choir secretary John Bevan added: “Jeff and I used to stand together on the back row of the choir and we also socialised together. It will be hard to get used to things now he’s gone.
“We will all miss him but he had a great boisterous personality and he leaves behind many happy memories.”