A SOLICITOR who practised for 60 years in Bournemouth, was described as 'a wonderfully eloquent advocate' and likened to Perry Mason has died at the age of 84.

Lionel Fynn was a partner in the firms of Ward Bowie, then Penningtons, Fynn and Partners and Horsey Lightly Fynn.

He was a well-known specialist in licensing and planning law. Lionel has been recognised by Chambers and Partners as a leading individual and in the Legal 500 as a Legal Expert.

He was nominated by Planning Magazine as one of the top 50 planning solicitors in the country.

But Mr Fynn was also a transport fanatic with a particular passion for trolley buses, trains, boats and aircraft.

He founded his own video production company, Plato Video and made many films, often using historic archive material.

Footage he shot from Matchams Lane of a Boeing 747 seemingly just about getting off the ground from Bournemouth en route to New York in 2002 has had 8.5million views on You Tube.

Fellow lawyer and friend for decades, Sandra Graham said: "As you can imagine, having worked alongside Lionel for nigh on 40 years, I could anticipate his thoughts and actions on legal matters before he had even expressed them.

"He was a formidable advocate of his client's cause, with an amazing recall of facts and fought with 110% for justice for those he represented.

"His mind endlessly ticked over with legal issues, never appearing to cease. He never stopped researching legal authorities and mulling over strategies and tactics to achieve the best outcome for his clients.

"Nothing got past him, yet he had time for everyone, a great sense of humour and a relaxed attitude.

For those old enough to remember the American TV series Lionel found it amusing that people would liken him to the character Perry Mason.

"He was an incredible character and needless to say a great loss to the legal profession."

Mr Fynn and his then two young boys even made a home video appearance at the end of the iconic Hollywood film Lorenzo's Oil starring Nick Nolte and Susan Sarandon because of the family's involvement with the Myelin Project aimed at finding a cure for the genetic condition Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD).

In another episode in a very colourful life, Mr Fynn fell down a ravine while walking in France, broke his spine and spent six weeks in hospital. He was back at work soon afterwards.

Mr Fynn leaves his family including sons Charles and Harry and daughter Natalie.

Charles said: "Our dad died peacefully on 17 January 2025. We're devastated to have lost him and are so grateful for the kind messages we've received from his friends and former colleagues. He clearly touched so many lives. We are all incredibly proud of him and everything he achieved in an amazing career and extraordinary life."

Mr Fynn's funeral takes place at New Forest Crematorium on Wednesday, February 12 at 1pm.