A FORMER Dartford mayor has passed away and is remembered for years of serving the community.

Former councillor Keith Thurlow, 79, died from a stroke at Darent Valley Hospital on March 14.

He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Patsy, two children and three grandchildren.

Mr Thurlow was elected to Dartford Council in 1976 as a councillor for the newly-formed Gundulf Ward, now part of West Hill Ward.

He also served as the mayor in 1989, before ending his time on the council in 1995.

Paying tribute to him, his wife, who is a councillor for Heath Ward, said: “He was keen in promoting the town and making sure people were proud of their heritage.

“Youth organisations were something that interested him and he worked to give them a sense of pride in the community.

”He was always interested in the scouts and cubs.”

Councillor Thurlow told News Shopper her husband was treated “extremely well” at Darent Valley.

She said: “The staff were excellent.

“They worked on him hard and treated him with respect.”

Dartford Council released a statement, sending its sympathies to the Thurlow family.

It read: “It is with regret and sadness that the Council has learnt of the death of Keith Thurlow, former councillor and mayor.

“Our thoughts are with Mr Thurlow's family, especially his wife, Councillor Patsy Thurlow, who is a current member of the Council.”

Mr Thurlow’s funeral will be held tomorrow (March 25) at St. Margaret of Antioch's Parish Church in Darenth Hill, Darenth at midday.