A MUCH loved jazz musician from Ipswich who “loved to laugh” has died aged 82.

A MUCH loved jazz musician from Ipswich who “loved to laugh” has died aged 82.

Scores of people attended the funeral of George Smallwood, who died on July 19 after a sudden illness.

For many years he played the tenor saxophonist with various bands in venues across Ipswich.

Originally from Diss, Mr Smallwood, of Moffat Avenue, taught himself how to play the tenor saxophonist in 1949.

He went on to play in Paul Davis' Big Band, where he made an LP, and his solo version of The Heat is On was played at his funeral on Monday .

Mr Smallwood leaves his wife Cora, two children and six grandchildren.

He met Mrs Smallwood on a blind date in 1947 and asked if she would go out with him. On July 26 this year they were due to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary.

Their daughter, Jennfier Robinson, 50, of Park Road, said: “He played in a number of bands. Jazz was his thing.

“He loved to laugh and was very caring.

“Since he retired he liked to play bingo in the hall in Dumbarton Road.”

Mrs Robinson's husband David said: “It was a really good turn-out for the funeral. Probably about 75 people turned up.”

Do you have any tributes for Mr Smallwood? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk