THE LIFE of a “comrade in arms” was celebrated at Rochford District councillor, Chris Black’s funeral by his family, close friends and colleagues.

Chris Black, Liberal Democrat councillor for Downhall and Rawreth in Rayleigh’s funeral was held at the Holy Trinity Church in High Street, Rayleigh yesterday morning after his unexpected death on the evening of Tuesday October 10.

Hosts of residents joined Chris’s wife, Elena Black and their son to pay tribute to the councillor who died at the age of 59.

Among those who attended the funeral was a long time friend and coleague, John Mason, councillor for Hawkwell West.

Speaking about the day, he said: “It was really fitting to see so many people from his personal life and I was so pleased to meet his school friend who gave an absolutely amazing incite into who Chris was before we knew him.

“This was a personal thing for me but his best man, Peter Quilter and I not only worked for the same bank before I was a councillor but we studied together too and that was great to have.

“The tributes were really wonderful to hear.”

Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford also made an appearance at the service where he remained for the wake that took place at The Cock Inn, Hall Road, Rochford.

Mr Mason was very pleased to see the MP at the service.

He said: “I was impressed and pleased that he dame to the service and the committal.

“That is possibly one of the best things for someone from the political world to do.”

Chris joined Rochford District Council as councillor for Downhall on 3 May 1984.

Mr Mason joined the council 16 years and one day later.

He reminisced about his formative years as a councillor, under the guidance of Chris.

Mr Mason said: “In the early days, I used to sit next to Chris in the council and we would bump off each other, especially in planning meetings.

“It was the comradeship that made it so great, he was a comrade in arms as well as being a great friend to me.”

Ian Ward, a Conservative councillor for Lodge was also in attendance for the funeral.

In tribute to Chris, he said: “He was a really good councillor and I think he really considered the area which he was born and bred in.

“He always wanted to make people’s lives better in any way he could and anywhere he could.

“There is a lot we councillors do not know about each other outside the chamber and a tribute one of his friends made was quite illuminating. It really opened my eyes to what a man he was.”

On Saturday a book of condolence was placed in Rayleigh library for residents to pay tribute to Chris.

James Newport, councillor for Sweyne Park and Grange, said: “The book will be in the library for one week and residents will be welcome to sign if they wish to.”

Fellow Lib Dem councillor, Chris Stanley, helped to get the book placed in the library and it has already been signed by councillors, friends and family. The book is a chance for residents to pay their respects to the district’s longest standing councillor.