My friend Jeffery Babb died aged 94 on March 30 at Bronllys Hospital, writes John Fitzgerald.

I first came across Jeffery when he and his wife moved to Hay-on-Wye in 2001. For a long time I perceived him as this somewhat eccentric gentleman, but in fact he was one of the most remarkable people I have ever met.

My perceptions changed when he and I were asked to help Hay Dial-a-Ride through a particularly difficult time, and I quickly came to appreciate his wisdom and compassion, and began to learn about his remarkable life, inspiring generations of young people to enjoy the rich experience that music brings.

He was the first general secretary of the National Association of Youth Orchestras, and served for nearly 20 years on the UK Council for Music Education. For many years he was the secretary and conductor of the European Music Summer School. The Federal Republic of Germany awarded Jeffery the Order of Merit for work in Youth Music Making between the two countries.

His support of Glasbury Arts demonstrated that his passion, even in his eighties and nineties, never diminished.

The first time he came to Glasbury Arts Harp Summer School Concert, he tottered to the front on his stick and spoke to every young harpist in the interval to provide encouragement. At the same event he was so impressed by one young singer/harpist he arranged for a special assessment by a professor of singing who was a former pupil.

I will miss him buzzing about Hay on his mobility scooter, but above all I will miss the enriching zest he brought to my life. No doubt Jeffery will be looking down and watching what we do at Glasbury Arts and if we fall down on our responsibilities to young people I am sure he will be tut tutting and wagging his finger at us.