The BBC reports: Dramatist and author Sir John Mortimer, who created enduring character Rumpole of the Bailey, has died aged 85 after a long illness.
***
On a purely personal note – I had the pleasure of meeting John Mortimer four times when he came to talk to my students at BPP Law School in London when I was the chief executive of the law school. He always had time for students. He would take no fee; asking only for a bottle of Champagne which he would consume (part of) while he gave his very amusing one hour talk. He will be missed.
Sir John is a personal hero of mine, as I am sure he is for hundreds of thousands of law students and legal aspirants in general.
He will be much and sorely missed. :(((
Sir John Mortimer’s Play “Voyage Around My Father ” was a brilliant Dramatic Story semi-biographical that was the Talk of the Town in London,many years ago among lawyers,law students and journalists who frequent The Wig and Pen PUB by the Temple Inn area.The Play was performed many times in the West End theatres to sold out audiences ! Sir John was exceptionally talented as a Playwright and a Barrister,sometimes one can’t tell when isn’t one or the other interchangeably ! Most admirers and friends will probably celebrate his Life and Times rather than his passing !Sir John Mortimer is a tough trail to follow !God Bless God save the Queen,Her Majesty’s Counsel has just taken leave !
Gerald Heng
Boston,MA,USA
1969-1981 London,UK.