A Malaysian-born Peckham resident has paid touching tribute to 79-year-old Peter Hill, who died suddenly outside Lewisham Wetherspoons last weekend.
Susan Hunt, 49, met karaoke enthusiast Mr Hill in Peckham four years ago, when she had just moved to the area.
She told News Shopper how Mr Hill supported her when she was struggling to get British citizenship.
She said: "I was very depressed at that time, and Peter was always there to brighten up my day.
"He is such a gentleman, always immaculately dressed.
"I came from Malaysia, and I struggled with my application for British citizenship.
"And Peter was always concerned about my wellbeing in the UK."
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When Ms Hunt finally got her British passport, she was keen to have Mr Hill by her side.
She said: "I finally obtained my British Citizenship in February and I was allowed only two guests to my British Citizenship ceremony - I invited my boyfriend and Peter.
"He gave me a Union Jack pin on the day of the ceremony.
"He was so proud and happy for me - he has a photograph of me and him at the British ceremony at his home.
"He is a very patriotic man, he gave a salute to the Queen during the national anthem at my British Citizenship ceremony and he shed tears of pride and joy."
Ms Hunt said her elderly friend had even promised to give her away at her wedding.
His death came as a complete shock, she says, when a friend called to tell her what had happened on Saturday afternoon.
She said: "I just couldn't believe it that he is gone.
"I was planning to throw him a special 80th birthday party in October.
"Rest in peace, Peter Hill, and God bless."
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