Personal Tributes to George Band

'Ever since I took over as editor of the Alpine Journal eight years ago, one of the pleasures of the job has been those phone calls which began with a cheerful - "George Band here..." And here indeed he was, upbeat as ever, offering to write an article or provide photographs. George was one of the stalwarts of the AJ, as he was of so many thing. He would have made a fine editor too, as the two books he published for the club - Everest: 50 Years On Top Of The World, and Summit: 150 Years of the Alpine Club bear testimony. He was busy promoting Summit, and the club of course, when we held the 150th anniversary party in Zermatt in 2007. It was a privilege for me (and a good many others) to share a summit with George during that event - our media-driven ascent of the Breithorn; not the most challenging peak in the world, but George, as ever, was smiling as he reached the top. I shall miss those phone calls.' Stephen Goodwin

'George was one of those fantastic people that somehow inspire respect and affection within minutes of meeting them.  First ascent of Kanchenjunga, successful career with Shell, devoted family man, dedicated charity worker
and immense supporter of British Mountaineering. George seemed to be a success in everything he did. He meant so much to so many different groups of people. Always smiling, always understanding and always ready to help
others however he could. His contribution to the Alpine Club, over many years, was enormous. We owe him so much and it is hard to believe he is no longer with us. The world is a poorer place without him.' Mick Fowler

'A Legend Passes away
I knew George Band for many years. We met often despite the fact that we lived in different countries. Susan and George are well known in Mumbai. George lectured at the Himalayan Club, Mumbai, to packed audience for three years. Every time after the gathering we visited local hills. Once we were rock climbing at Pachmarhi in Central India. George was in his elements and every morning rushed out to watch birds and go for a long walk. Once there was a particularly difficult patch of rock which even the expert climber Mark Richey (of Boston) found it challenging. Soon to our amazement and apprehension, George volunteered to follow him. He was more than 80 years then. But the way he went up with full safety and balance was inspiring.
The other time we went on a long boat ride in the Mumbai Harbour. George was busy with maps and listened to the stories of sailing around Mumbai. He would take keen interest in whatever subject was being discussed. During years of travels in India never once he complained abut food or facilities which many time put off westerners. We again spent a week together at the Banff Film Festival, Canada. Serving on the Film Jury together we had plenty of interaction and later went for several walks. It was good to hear his stories and many times I listened to him as a fascinated 'youngster'.
I am to visit London this winter. Just few weeks before I spoke to him about wanting to record his life on camera, for the 'Oral History' project that we have started at Mumbai. He willingly agreed, but now alas it will not be possible. How I wish I had undertaken this a year or two ago.
Many in Mumbai will miss him, including me.' Harish Kapadia

'George changed my life. The first time I met him he invited me to join his 40th anniversary trek to Kangchenjunga and naturally I jumped at the chance. This was a very enjoyable experience made more so by George's easy going and friendly manner. We became good friends and two years later I joined his trek to the East of Everest.
Had it not been for George the Alpine Club would not have Associate members and I am proud to have been proposed by him.
Over the past few years it has been my privilege to be a trustee of the Himalayan Trust UK under his Chairmanship. We presented him with a tankard at our summer meeting in June and shall all miss him very much.' Tony Astill