RESPECTED former mayor Councillor Donald Menzies has died suddenly at his home.

The 78-year-old Conservative (pictured) joined Gravesham Council in 1986 after winning a by-election for the Meopham North ward, where he lived for 40 years.

He was mayor of Gravesham between 1990 and 1991 and served on the community safety advisory panel and Gravesham joint transportation board.

The Conservative group whip died on November 11.

He was married for more than 50 years to wife Betty and had one daughter and a granddaughter.

Very active within his local community, Cllr Menzies served as a governor of Meopham County Primary School and was a past president of the Royal British Legion.

Fellow ward member and Conservative group leader Councillor Michael Snelling said: “Don was a shining example of an effective local councillor.

“He worked quietly but tirelessly for the community he loved and where he had lived so long — also finding the time to campaign throughout Gravesham for the conservative principles he held so dear. He will be a hard act to follow.” Cllr Menzies’ funeral will take place at 11am on Friday at St John’s Parish Church, Meopham.

Refreshments will be available in Meopham village hall afterwards.

A by-election for the vacant seat will take place in due course.