Christopher WalterLAYTONPassed away in his sleep at home in Tavistock, Devon on Sunday 12th March 2023 aged 93 years. Chris was the youngest of seven children, and the last survivor of the siblings until his recent death. Born on the 31st December 1929 in Wimbledon, he spent early childhood summers playing on Porthleven's rocks and beaches (and boats) near his Grandmother's house with siblings and cousins. He was evacuated to New York state in the US during the early part of WW2. He was a pupil at Oundle School, Northamptonshire, then a student at Cambridge. Over his long life Chris has been a journalist (including from the 1950s, for the Economist); a 1960s political candidate for the Liberal Party, then in the '80s was involved in the SDP movement (including as their MEP candidate); and in the 1970s, was "Chef de Cabinet" for the EEC Commissioner (for Industry, Tech and Science) Altiero Spinelli, in Brussels. In the '90s he was a co-founder member of the Grimstone community near Dartmoor, whose Manor and gardens provided the venue for residential courses, in diverse spiritual and artistic subjects; He was a Dartmoor tree-planting campaigner; a painter & sculptor, story-teller, and clarinet player. Also a dog walker, wild swimmer, Tor walker, and campaigner for climate change solutions. He enjoyed a party and will be missed by many friends. The much loved Father of Diana, Kiran (Stephen), Sarah, Lesley, Laura and the late Ellie; and cherished Grandfather of six, and Great Grandfather of two. He is also remembered with fondness by nieces, nephews and second cousins. A funeral service will take place at St Eustachius' Church, Tavistock on Saturday 1st April 2023 at 2pm. Donations in Christopher's memory if you wish, can be made to either Moor Trees, Peace Building UK, or One World Trust by retiring collection (cash or cheque), or via Morris Bros Funeral Directors: Go to Homepage & Click on "Donate" to find Christopher's Donation page, if paying by Card (where you can also leave a written tribute online) Or by Post (or in person) if paying by cheque. www.morrisbros.co.uk Morris Bros Funeral Directors, Lakeside, Tavistock PL19 0AZ 01822 612023
