Tributes have been pouring in for the Reverend Doctor Andrew Wakefield, who sadly passed away last week.
Rev Wakefield was a well-known pillar of the Merton community, serving as the vicar of St Andrew’s Church in Wimbledon and the chairman of the Merton Chamber of Commerce.
His other roles included chairman of the Safer Neighbourhood Board and actives roles on the Merton Faith and Belief Forum and police’s independent advisory group.
He also led the Remembrance Day services outside Morden Civic Centre each year, where a book of condolence has now been opened for members of the public to sign.
Rev Wakefield passed away on Wednesday, October 26. It is believed he suffered a heart attack.
Chief executive of the Merton Chamber of Commerce, Diana Sterck, said: "All the work he did in the community, and in bringing people together, was incredibly important. He will be very missed.
"He had a real commitment to making Merton a great place to do business in and work in. And he did so much interfaith work, he was known within all the faith communities.
"He worked to make Merton cohesive and inclusive for all the different communities that live within the borough. He was a larger than life character who was very passionate about the causes that he got involved with.
"He will leave a big hole."
Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, said: “I want to express my shock and sadness at the news of Andrew Wakefield’s death.
“Andrew was a pillar of the community and very much part of the Merton family. He loved being involved in everything to do with the borough.
“He had recently been made an honourary doctor of divinity for his 30 years of service to Merton, although his first loves were Crystal Palace FC, cricket and his little dog Darcy.
“He will be hugely missed in the community.”
Leader of Merton Conservative Group, Councillor Oonagh Moulton, said: “I am shocked and very sad to learn the terrible news of Andrew’s death.
“On behalf of Merton’s Conservative councillors, I extend our deepest sympathy and condolences at this difficult time to all his family and friends, and to his colleagues at the Merton Chamber of Commerce and all the other local organisations with which he was involved.
“Many of us have known Andrew for years and I have always been impressed with his boundless energy and enthusiasm for everything he did for our community, including as a champion of local businesses.
“He was devoted to improving the lives of Merton residents by bringing together people from different faiths and backgrounds and working for the good of the whole borough.
“The gap he leaves will be extremely hard to fill.”
Siggy Osman, who used to work alongside Rev Wakefield, described him as having "the kindest heart and a great sense of humour.
"Rest in peace Andrew, and rise in glory."
Many have also been taking to social media to pay tribute to the Rev Wakefield.
@JeromeNeil @MertonChamber, Andrew Wakefield - not afraid to speak truth to power #MertonWelcomesRefugees pic.twitter.com/ArNkGiz8Fc
— jackie schneider (@jackieschneider) October 29, 2016
It is with great sadness to inform you that the Chair of our Board, Andrew Wakefield passed away yesterday https://t.co/yO2kez0EPj pic.twitter.com/gHaH42kEeU
— Merton Chamber (@MertonChamber) October 27, 2016
A sad loss, he was passionate about true inclusion, spoke his mind, & frankly didn't give a toss what people thought! More like him please. https://t.co/hf051Xlinx
— Lucy Gorman (@lucy25) October 28, 2016
Sad to hear of passing of Andrew Wakefield. His encouragement of people and events, personality, insights + humour will be missed.
— Martin Budd (@MartinBudd) October 28, 2016
We extend our deepest condolences to Andrew's friends and family. He championed Merton but his work benefitted business across London. RIP https://t.co/65ghYMwrb6
— Successful Sutton (@SuccessSutton) October 27, 2016
Just paid my respects in the book of condolences to my good friend The Rev Dr Andrew Wakefield at the Civic Centre in Morden. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/7X5UdTUrn2
— Martin Whelton (@MartinWhelton) October 27, 2016
It's with sadness we report the loss of our Chair Rev Andrew Wakefield. Our thoughts & condolences to his family, friends & colleagues. pic.twitter.com/53f5UkEywZ
— Wandle_WIM (@Wandle_WIM) October 28, 2016
I'm so sad today. Overwhelmed by all the sentiments about Andrew Wakefield. I will miss him greatly. Watch over us Andrew
— Diana Ifill (@holatoyou) October 28, 2016
So sad to hear of the untimely death of our dear friend Reviews Andrew Wakefield. Rest in perfect peace pic.twitter.com/j9d6nZTAJJ
— Edith M (@EdithmacauleyM) October 27, 2016
Saddened to hear the sudden loss of Revd Dr Andrew Wakefield - a great loss of a really supportive, affirming, intelligent but humble man.
— Revd Judith Evans (@judithmairevan1) October 27, 2016
So sad to hear that Andrew Wakefield passed away. Always greeted me with a smile, a hug & a high five. Always at events in #Merton RIP
— Haydon the Womble (@HaydontheWomble) October 27, 2016
Our thoughts are with the family of Roehampton honorary graduate Rev Andrew Wakefield, who has sadly passed away. pic.twitter.com/3xdb20uemt
— Uni of Roehampton (@RoehamptonUni) October 27, 2016
Feeling saddened at the passing of Rev Andrew Wakefield. Enormous influence on local borough,deanery,diocese,world religions,YMCA,Surrey CCC
— Patrick Charles Wood (@PatrickWoodikin) October 27, 2016
Our condolences to the friends and family of Andrew Wakefield, the chair of Croydon Credit Union, who passed away yesterday. @yourcroydon
— Mark Watson (@Cllrmarkwatson) October 27, 2016
Very sorry to hear that Rev Andrew Wakefield has died, vicar of St Andrews in Wimbledon. He was a very well known local figure. may he RIP
— Merton Lib Dems (@MertonLibDems) October 27, 2016
Very sad to hear we have lost Rev Andrew Wakefield who did so much for Merton.
— Edward Foley (@EdwardFoley) October 27, 2016
I am saddened to hear that Rev Andrew Wakefield has died, I chatted with him last week about his retirement plans. He will be greatly missed
— Peter Gilbert (@positivelyPG) October 27, 2016
Would you like to pay tribute to Rev Wakefield? Contact the newsdesk on pippa.allen@newsquest.co.uk
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