It is with great regret that we announce the death of George Hardee in hospital on Saturday 2nd May 2009, following a fall in his garden the previous day. He was a few months short of his ninetieth birthday. 

George was a remarkable man who had a long and illustrious career. George joined Richards Butler as an articled clerk at the age of 16 in 1936 and was admitted as a solicitor in 1940 shortly after his 21st birthday. He served in the Second World War and was badly injured in the Normandy landings on Juno Beach. He returned to Richards Butler after the War and completed 50 years with the firm in 1986, a feat of endurance unlikely to be equalled today! George was the senior partner from 1983 to 1986. He was held in the highest regard as a lawyer by his colleagues, clients, competitors in other law firms, the Bar and the Judiciary. Indeed, such was the esteem in which he was held that the address at a party held to celebrate his 50 years of service was delivered by Lord Roskill. 

After his retirement he became a full member of the L.M.A.A. in June 1986 and its Honorary Secretary in March 1987. He subsequently became an Honorary Member of the Association. He sat as an arbitrator for many years until finally retiring at the age of 80. His funeral on 14th May was attended by a number of his former partners and colleagues from his years at Richards Butler and LMAA arbitrators. All will have fond memories of George, his gentle demeanour and razor sharp brain. He will be sorely missed. He leaves his wife Shirley, and three children.