Tributes to Charles Myers

Charles was a man of great integrity. It is hard to put into words the values and characteristics which shaped Charles, but his strength, commitment, his consistency and his good humour all come to mind. His commitment to Brentwood, and his ward, Pilgrims Hatch never wavered. Charles represented as an extremely hard working, much respected councillor for 20 years. He was very proud of Brentwood and played a decisive role in shaping and protecting our town.

Charles served the Borough of Brentwood with distinction as our mayor of Brentwood between 1996 and 1997, he saw this as a great honour and was ably supported by his wife Pauline. Charles' interests were not limited to local government - he served as a governor at Chelmsford FE college for many years, and with Pauline was an active member of Shenfield Garden Society. Charles believed in supporting his community and borough with actions as well as words, and strongly believed in an active civic society and Brentwood's many voluntary organisations.

To his friends and colleagues in Brentwood Liberal Democrats, he was strong, true, a free thinker, and a loyal friend. Charles' unwavering support saw many Liberal councillors successfully elected to Brentwood Council, and this continued long after he stepped down from the Council.

Charles leaves a strong legacy of hard work and dedication to Brentwood and to Pilgrims Hatch. He was always ready to help anyone. Whatever he did, he did well and never let anyone down. You could not get a better councillor for serving the people and the borough of Brentwood.

Cllr David Kendall, Pilgrims Hatch councillor

I know that many residents will be shocked and saddened to hear the news that Charles Myers has passed away. He was an excellent Borough councillor for Pilgrims Hatch over many years and was well liked and respected in the community. Charles was not only a great colleague to work with he also always on hand to provide advice, support and encouragement when it was most needed. I know Charles will be greatly missed not only by the local Lib Dems but by many people across Brentwood who met him during his time as Mayor and through his involvement in many local issues.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Pauline and their family during this very sad time.

Cllr Barry Aspinell, Group Leader and Pilgrims Hatch councillor

First and foremost, Charles was a gentleman and a kind man. He was a liberal to his very core and was supportive of us all, always willing to offer advice and assistance.

The party has lost one of its very best, but for us, we have lost a friend.

Cllr Karen Chilvers, Constituency Chair and Brentwood West councillor

Charles was just one of the most decent and honourable people you could ever hope to meet. We will all miss him immensely and we know that no-one can replace him, not only in terms of what he did for his colleagues and for the local party, but also in our affections.

James Sapwell, former Brentwood North councillor

Charles was simply a colossus. He was a great listener, always willing to offer advice but never one to force his thoughts on you. He was encouraging, reliable and consistent. He knew the party inside out and I will never forget turning up on his and Pauline's doorstep for advice shortly after becoming party Chairman in a time of need. His willingness to help and support me truly meant a great deal. He was tremendously loyal, thoughtful and a passionate advocate of Liberal politics. Even as he became unwell his support never wavered and without him (amongst others) I would not have been elected in 2011. We have lost a true great. It is as simple as that.

Cllr John Newberry, Brentwood West councillor

Two years ago, I joined the Brentwood Lib/Dem group and met lots of nice people. One that stood out was Charles. He was a very calm natured man with a warm personality, always ready to help and give advice. Shortly after joining, I stood for election in Brentwood West and the immense help and advice that Charles gave to me helped win the day. I had got to know Charles a lot better by that time and I realised why I was a strong Lib/Dem, the reason, because of people like Charles, who helped build the foundation on which I stand.

Cllr Jill Hubbard, Warley councillor

I was shocked and saddened to hear that Charles has passed away. My heartfelt sympathies and condolences go to his wife and constant companion Pauline and their sons. Charles has been an exceptionally hard-working member of the Liberal Democrat Party in Brentwood well before the twenty-odd years that I've been a member. In that time he has been dedicated to serving the Party and community in various ways, not least as a Councillor for Pilgrim's Hatch. He has also represented us as Brentwood's Mayor. I had the pleasure of being Deputy Leader when he was Leader of the Liberal Democrat group and always found him unfailingly courteous, reliable, astute, conscientious, brilliant at checking the Council's financial accounts and dedicated to furthering fair and liberal principles in our Borough. He will be sorely missed.

Cllr Vicky Davies, Pilgrims Hatch Councillor

Charles, a former Mayor, leader of the group and long standing hard working Pilgrims Hatch ward councillor. He was a man of high integrity and intelligence who was respected by councillors across the council chamber not just for his expertise but also his calm courteous manner, It was truly a privilege to have worked with Charles. He was a politician whose calm caring manner for his residents and his belief in fairness and equality came before political gain. He will be sadly missed.