Many forum members will have encountered Lance during their time in Greece. Sadly, I never met him, but we swopped email many times. I was always impressed by his knowledge, gentle manner and downright enthusiasm.
Below is the text of a message I received from one of his close friends.
If you did not already know, Lance Chilton died of an acute heart attack in the evening of 30th July, in his 60th year. Hazel and I had a 'phone call from his wife Hilary the following day.
Anyone interested might like to know that he will be cremated at the Mintlyn Crematorium, Kings Lynn on Monday 18th August 2014 at 13.00.
We know that many of his friends from the early 1980's (when he began the Botanical Specials and before he produced the walk booklets as 'Marengo') through to the 2000's will be attending the funeral.
He had been ill with an entirely unrelated condition for some years. This had slowed him down. Also, because of a change of policy by the owners of several guided books, he and Hilary were unable to update their walk booklets alongside their contributions to guides of the Greek islands.
Hilary is proposing to scatter his ashes on the island of Thasos sometime next year.
Lance was a lovely man who gave much pleasure to many people with his kindness, patience and love of plants. His freehand drawing of maps was unsurpassed so that his walking guides actually worked - he had walked them all several times and often in the reverse direction!
Lance, you will be missed - but you've left a legacy that will endure for many years.!
