Tributes to Ladbroke Grove ‘legend’ friends with Bob Marley who ‘partied to the end’

Tributes have poured in for well-loved West London ‘legend’ who was childhood friends with Bob Marley.

Norval Lindsay, who was a well known character in the Ladbroke Grove area, passed away on October 5, aged 75.

Despite suffering from long term health issues, he ‘partied to the end’ and had been out the three nights before he died.

His son paid a touching tribute to Norval saying: “He didn’t say much but what he did say people loved. All colours, ages, classes.”

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Norval (centre) at Notting Hill Carnival

His daughter Alison Morgan told MyLondon: “He’s known as the legend – General Lindsay. You walk done the street now and tonnes of people will tell you the same thing.

“If you’ve been living in Portobello Road, you’ll know him.”

Norval, who had eight children, grew up in Jamaica before moving to London when he was 15.

He was schoolfriends with Bob Marley, who would visit when he was in London.

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Norval was a popular figure at a few choice venues around Notting Hill including The Elgin

Alison said: “They were good friends. Bob used to come to my house. This was when he was known but not a huge superstar.

“I knew him with Uncle Bob. I remember my mum told my dad, ‘tell that Bob to stop sh***ing my friends’.

“Duran Duran, Depeche Mode. My dad knew all them. He was even in their music videos.”

Norval was a professional musician himself, playing the flute which his children remember fondly.

Alison said: “He was out raving on the Saturday, at the Yellow Door, they loved him there. Then out again Sunday and Monday.

“Died on Tuesday. He used to party like a 25 year old. He had a good innings. He lived life to the fullest.”

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Family photos of Norval

Despite travelling widely, Ladbroke Grove was always home for him.

His son, Michael Lindsay said: “He always had to go back the Grove. That was his place. Full stop.

“He was the main man of Ladbroke grove. He had to be there for them.

“The day he passed away. I got a call from the pub asking about my dad, wondering why they hadn’t seen him.

“That’s when I went round his and found him.”

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Norval with Alison’s mum Carol

He continued: “His Nine Night was a visual representation of the community for Portobello Road. Everyone from the local drug addicts to the millionaires.”

The impact of Norval’s death was felt far beyond the Grove.

Alison said: “Dad was a great traveller. I’ve had people touch base from Spain, Italy, Australia asking for the funeral to be live streamed.

“He had friends all over. I’ve been abroad and mentioned I’m from Portobello Road and people have said, ‘Oh you must know Norval’.”

As news of his death spread, touching tributes for locals poured in.

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One said: “He was so loved he brought so much happiness to so many people it’s time to celebrate his life. He was a giant of happiness and we all loved him.”

Another said: “He’s been such a positive energy and a strong part of our Portobello community for as long as I can remember. His presence will be greatly missed.”

His funeral will be held on November 11.

Did you know Norval? Would you like to leave him a tribute. Please get in touch at [email protected]

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https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/tributes-ladbroke-grove-legend-friends-21919945

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