He joined Lawrences in 1989, where a lifelong love of coins, medals, militaria and postage stamps enabled him to develop a broad-based and flourishing department.
Jeff’s office was always packed full of remarkably diverse objects and he prided himself on never mislaying so much as a farthing.
He was immensely knowledgeable in all these fields, well read in military history and endlessly patient with clients who had family histories to share.
Jeff combined conscientious hard work with an enduring jollity of spirit. Outside work, he played cricket with a passion until recently and he also coached eager youngsters at Chard Cricket Club.
His many friends at Lawrences and elsewhere will remember him as a man whose warm strength of personality and awesome enthusiasms endeared him to all, young and old. He leaves a widow, Lynn, and a son, Jonathan.
The department Jeff managed will now be covered by his colleague Simon Jones, with whom he had been working increasingly closely in recent years.
Helen Carless, chairman and managing director, Lawrences of Crewkerne
