Simon Corder writes: "In my life there have been a few people of great importance; mentors and teachers who have inspired and taken the time to share their experience. Hugh was my chief at the Bubble Theatre in 1979; we toured London in a big yellow tent. He was a good man who is fondly remembered."
Jon Cadbury of VLPS adds: "Hugh and I had worked together for the Joint Stock Theatre Company, where he always had the clearest view on the right way to service and support theatre and entertainment technology. He was a teacher and an inspiration to everyone who came into contact with him. He will be missed by many people.
"Paul Turner had started Zenith Lighting to service the concert touring market, and asked me to join him in 1981. I agreed, on condition that he asked Hugh to act as technical consultant . . . Hugh was instrumental in the company's growth and ran the technical department of the enlarged Samuelson Concert Productions for several years. He ensured that our equipment was always of the highest quality, and that an ethos of professional care was the norm."
Later, Laver joined Avolites, whose sales director Steve Warren says: "Hugh joined Avolites as quality assurance manager. Anyone who has experienced Hugh's attention to detail and refusal to be worn down by any issue will understand why he was ideal for the task ahead. Your day was always improved by meeting Hugh!"
Anybody who would like to join in raising a glass to remember Hugh later this summer, please contact Jon Cadbury at the address below.
