A LEGENDARY figure in the Southend community will be laid to rest today following his death from Motor Neurone Disease.

Garry Lowen’s funeral is being staged at St Mary’s Church in Prittlewell at 2.20pm.

Those who knew Garry and want to pay their respects are invited to attend, with free parking available at Roots Hall stadium.

The wake will take place after the ceremony at Southend Rugby Club.

Prior to the service, Garry’s family said: “Garry’s illness didn’t stop him being the ultimate organiser and we hope that this celebration of his life is just as he hoped and planned for.

“He requested no black to be worn.”

Anyone wishing to leave flowers is instead asked to make a donation to Fair Havens via funeral director AR Adams.

It comes in the same week Garry’s wife, Penny, announced the closure of the couple’s business, the Gleneagles guesthouse.

The guest house had operated on Clifftown Parade for around 10 years.

Garry was awarded the Freedom of Southend back in January in recognition of his impact in the community.

He worked with countless charities, serving as chairman of the Southend Carnival Association, as a Rotarian, and as chairman of successive mayoral charity committees, raising thousands of pounds.

Garry's dry response to the recieving the honour was: “I’m not sure what privileges being a freeman entails but in London you can drive sheep over the London Bridge.

Read more >> Garry Lowen opens up on fight with Motor Neurone Disease

“Perhaps as we become a city, perhaps we can start a tradition of driving some sheep down the pier.”

Southend politicians across the spectrum were among those to pay tribute to Garry following his death on April 22, with many describing him as “passionate, caring and loving”.