The event was held at the Paul Hamlyn Hall at London’s Royal Opera House. Lord Gavron and publishing pioneer Hamlyn had been great friends until the latter’s death in 2001, and Gavron had also been a director of the Royal Opera House.
Gavron died on 7 February, aged 84.
Attendees came from Gavron’s wide circle of personal and professional interests and included Baroness Blackstone, Lord Bragg, Lord Heseltine, Lord Kinnock, broadcaster Bamber Gascoigne, and former West Indies fast bowler Joel Garner.
His wife Kate, youngest son Jeremy, and younger brother Daniel spoke movingly – and humorously – about Gavron’s personal qualities and joie de vivre.
Jeremy Gavron highlighted his father’s trademark shock of white curly hair and shared a family video made to mark Gavron’s 80th birthday featuring his grandchildren wearing wigs while acting out a typical Gavron day.
He said: “Like Samson his hair was a source of confidence, a statement of intent… if you crossed him his hair would seem to expand!”
Former Folio Society editorial director Sue Bradbury paid tribute to “Bob the publisher”, while former St Ives chief executive Brian Edwards spoke about “Bob the printer”.
“Customers said that he always did his homework on their businesses, and they often ended up buying something they didn’t know they needed,” Edwards said, describing Gavron as “an inspirational manager who seemed to be able to put his finger on whatever motivated an individual.”
Edwards added: “When he stepped down in 1998 St Ives was making more than £50m in profit, had a market capitalisation of £500m and no debt. Not bad for a business started with £5,000.”
Cricketer Garner described Gavron as someone who made "a lasting contribution to many people and organisations – he has left an enduring legacy for cricket in Barbados."
In 2001 Gavron established an award for outstanding young cricketers from Barbados, with 22 benefiting from the scholarship since including three who went on to play for the West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite, Jason Holder and Kemar Roach.
