The Council is saddened to hear of the passing of former councillor and Mayor, Derek Jarvis.
Derek served on Southend-on-Sea City Council for a period of 20 years and held several portfolios and Cabinet posts including Culture and Tourism and more recently Arts, Culture and Heritage - areas which were close to his heart.
Derek was a passionate supporter of the arts, culture and heritage of the City and as a former Cabinet Member supported and promoted a wide range of events attracting visitors to the town such as the successful music festivals. He was instrumental in the delivery of several key projects as the former Cabinet Member, including the development of the Southend Forum and the Cultural Centre at Southend Pier. Derek was also Chair of several Committees including the Standards Committee and the Licensing Committee.
Derek was also elected Mayor in 2018 and served this role with distinction, supporting and raising funds for several charities.
Cllr Ron Woodley, the current Mayor of Southend-on-Sea, says: "On behalf of the council and the city I would like to send my condolences and thoughts to Derek's wife Val and his family and friends.
"I was honoured to recently award Honorary Alderman status to Derek, with his wife Val accepting it on his behalf at a moving Full Council. This was a distinction that was very well deserved. Thank you for all you did for our Borough and new City, Cllr Derek Jarvis."
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, says: "I was very sad to hear this news. Cllr Jarvis was highly respected and regarded and was an excellent former councillor and Mayor.
"He cared deeply about Southend-on-Sea and will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends."
The Southend-on-Sea flag will now fly at half-mast at the Civic Centre and Porters this week.