He certainly was. Without his influence breakfast/brunch definitely wouldn't be such a thing. I was lucky enough to meet him in 2011 when I lived in Sydney. He was just as you imagine, kind, generous with his time and happy to chat to everyone. He was even willing to try one of my carrot breakfast cupcakes! I have treasured my signed copy of his book ever since. He was one of life's good people and I'm thinking of all his friends and family at this difficult time.