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Lambourne ward District Councillor Brian Rolfe has passed away. He died on Saturday.
Former Chairman and Distinguished Councillor
Brian Rolfe was one of the most well-loved and respected members of Epping Forest District Council. As a former chairman of council and leisure cabinet portfolio holder, he held some of the most senior district council positions. He was also a former Town Mayor of Epping.
He represented the district council residents of Lambourne for 16 years.
A Local Boy who travelled
Brian Rolfe was born in Loughton. He attended Buckhurst Hill Boys School and made the district his life-long home. In 1954, at the age of 18, he reported for National Service duty at RAF Cardington. It was a day he was proud to remember. More than 60 years later on 24 April 2018, he had the honour of proposing the motion to award 56 Squadron of North Weald fame, the Freedom of Epping Forest District on the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the RAF.
On completion of his national service, Brian picked up the reins of his career in banking. The National Provincial Bank became part of the National Westminster Bank. Brian went to work in the City of London and the bank’s foreign department which became the International Division in 1972. His role would lead to considerable amounts of travel around the UK.
However, his heart always remained in the district. He and Una married in 1958. Sara was born in Loughton in 1966 and Karen was born in Theydon Bois 3 years later.
Local Politics
Brian entered local politics following a further move to Epping in December 2000. He was elected to Epping Town Council in 2003 and became mayor 2 years later.
He became the district councillor for Lambourne in 2006 and had remained so ever since.
District Council
Brian was a dedicated district councillor. His warmth and generosity shone bright as portfolio holder for leisure and wellbeing, and then as chairman of council. He had an affinity with young people. Whether helping fix paper mache aliens at a half-term workshop, playing Father Christmas for the children of council employees, or standing proudly alongside canoeists at Waltham Abbey in the run up to London 2012, he was kind, modest and caring towards everyone he met.
Chairman of Council
The current Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Councillor Mary Sartin, knew Brian Rolfe well, serving as his Vice-Chairman in 2011-2012.
She said:
I was greatly saddened to hear of the death of Councillor Brian Rolfe. I had served with Brian on many committees during his 16 years as an Epping Forest District Councillor. I was also his Vice-Chairman during his year as Chairman of Council in 2012/13 when we worked closely together. He was always well supported by his wife Una and our thoughts must be with her, their 2 daughters, his grandchildren and other family members.
He was always someone who was easy to talk to and discuss matters with. He worked hard for his ward of Lambourne and I know that he will be missed within that community as well as by his fellow councillors.
Condolences
Brian was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. The thoughts of all his friends and colleagues at Epping Forest District Council are with his wife Una, daughters Sara and Karen and his grandchildren.
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