Lawrence joined the WSET as common administrator in 1978 earlier than starting work as a lecturer, the place former CEO Ian Harris mentioned he confirmed a aptitude for educating which belied his calm manner.
“Once I grew to become CEO of WSET in 2002, Gareth was the senior lecturer, working alongside Michael Buriak and the late Godfrey Spence, on the WSET London College, which on the time was based mostly in 5 Kings Home in Higher Thames Avenue,” mentioned Harris.
“On shifting to Bermondsey Avenue in 2005, Gareth embraced the brand new WSET Spirits programmes enthusiastically, shortly changing into one of many lead educators as WSET elevated its portfolio of {qualifications} and expanded its international attain.
“He was invited to affix the Worshipful Firm of Distillers and took an lively half of their actions. He was a really non-public man, and really quiet and unassuming till he was in entrance of a classroom, or an examination room filled with nervous college students the place he took cost with nice authority.”
Following his retirement from full-time educating in 2013, Lawrence continued to work part-time marking examination scripts, however his well being continued to say no, and he died peacefully in hospital on twenty second July 2025.
