A DEDICATED public servant was commemorated by friends and colleagues in a touching service at a Basildon church. 

Conservative mayor Luke Mackenzie died of cancer aged 37 on March 14, and fellow councillors and MPs came together on Friday to celebrate his life and honour the vital role he played in the community. 

A memorial service was held at St Martin’s Church, in Basildon town centre, including speeches from Reverend Tim Brampton, deputy mayor Yetunde Adeshile and Essex County Council chair Jill Reeves.

Echo: 'Much missed' - Essex County Council chair Jill Reeves paid tribute during the service.'Much missed' - Essex County Council chair Jill Reeves paid tribute during the service. (Image: Jeff Henry)

 

It was followed by a sermon from Revd Brampton.

Wreaths were laid by Mrs Adeshile, council leader Andrew Baggott, Basildon Council chief executive Scott Logan, and Mrs Reeves.

Mr Mackenzie served as a Basildon councillor for Pitsea south east, and as Essex County councillor for Pitsea.

Mrs Adeshile paid tribute to her close friend, describing him as “a dedicated public servant who inspired many”.

She told mourners the late mayor raised around £20,000 for his chosen charities, Feeding the Family and the Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund over two years in the role.

 

Echo: The service was held at St Martin's Church, which Luke was a supporter of.The service was held at St Martin's Church, which Luke was a supporter of. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

During the service, Rev Brampton said: “Luke devoted his relatively short but full life to serving the public. He was a caring and compassionate person, who committed himself with vigour and enthusiasm.”

Following the service, Mrs Adeshile said: “Luke had a generous, friendly spirit. He was willing to give absolutely anything a go.

“I have loads of happy memories of him.”

Echo: Floral tributes - wreaths were laid by Basildon and Essex councillors.Floral tributes - wreaths were laid by Basildon and Essex councillors. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

 

Friend and fellow councillor Craig Rimmer added: “It’s a really sad day for us all. I recall the last time we were here was for the King’s Proclamation.

“Afterwards, Luke and I went for a beer to take in the momentous occasion.

“Today feels like another momentous occasion, but Luke is sadly not here to share it with us.”

The service was attended by south Essex MPs Mark Francois, Stephen Metcalfe, and John Baron.

Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois said: “Luke was a man for whom the glass was always half full.

“His life was too short, but he crammed an immense amount of good work into it.”