George Marris, a highly respected member of the Lincolnshire farming community, died on 27 July, 2008, at the age of 99.

Mr Marris was one of 10 children born into a farming family from Susworth on the Humber Bank. When Mr Marris’s father moved to farm at Manor Farm, Broadholme, he moved with him, learning the industry that was to become a great part of his life.

He eventually moved to North Carlton Cliff to set up his own farm where he was still combining until he retired at the age of 92.

He loved every aspect of farming but he was predominantly an arable farmer and cattle dealer and was well known at both local markets and at markets in Ireland.

Mr Marris was also a great benefactor to the agricultural community. When the Lincolnshire Showground was ‘little more than a hut’ on land at Grange-de-Lings, he was instrumental in helping build the showground into the showcase it is today and as a mark of appreciation he became a lifelong honorary vice-president of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society.

Mr Marris and his wife Ida, did a great deal for the church in North Carlton, with Mr Marris acting as treasurer for many years. Mrs Marris died in 1991 and for the Millenium celebrations Mr Marris paid to have all the altar church kneelers she had made many years before replaced with new ones.

As well as farming, he had a great love of country pursuits, especially shooting, and loved nothing better than shooting in Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and Scotland. In his later years he also enjoyed accompanying his friend and companion, Margaret Robinson, to watch the hunt at various locations in the county.

He was also keen on travel and a ‘people watcher’.

Mr Marris was survived by his companion Margaret, sister Jane and many nephews and nieces.