Hereward Cooke

9.45.00pm GMT Wed 16th Dec 2009

It was with great sadness today that Norwich Liberal Democrats learnt the news that Hereward Cooke had died while in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

He was with a team of 25 campaigners for a 150 mile fundraising cycle ride on behalf of Christian Aid. He died in his sleep at the age of 70.

Revd Canon Cooke was elected as Liberal Democrat Councillor for the Lakenham Ward in Norwich in May 2000, standing down in May 2008. He was Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group from May 2002 to September 2006, Deputy Leader of the Council from May 2002 to May 2006 and Leader of the Lib Dem Group from September 2006 to March 2008.

He came to Norwich in 1989 as Diocesan Industrial Missioner and as Team Vicar in the parish of St Peter Parmentergate with St John, Timberhill. In 1993 he became senior industrial chaplain and rural dean of Norwich East. Over a period of 15 years, Hereward acted as chaplain to a number of companies including Eastern Counties Newspapers (now Archant), Colman's, Norwich Union (now Aviva), Anglia Television and Marks and Spencer. He became a trustee of the Norwich Unemployment Network and the Redundancy Advice Network. In 1997 he was made an Honorary Canon of Norwich Cathedral. His other roles included Assistant Priest of St Peter Mancroft and Priest-in-Charge of St Stephen's, Norwich.

He retired in 2008 and moved to Blakeney taking up the role of diocesan environmental officer.

Today, current Norwich Liberal Democrat Group Leader Brian Watkins paid tribute to his former colleague:

"I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear about Hereward's untimely death. That he died after completing his cycle ride to Copenhagen, to raise money for Christian Aid, is particularly poignant. He was a true servant to the people, who gave of his time selflessly and generously. He had a great and warm heart, and always recognised the best in people.

A tireless campaigner and champion of worthy causes, Hereward made a real difference to thousands of people. There will be so many that are indebted to him for his help, guidance and encouragement. Hereward made an immense contribution to the city of Norwich prior to his retirement last year. I had the great pleasure of working closely with him as a colleague on Norwich City Council, and I know the huge esteem and respect with which he was held in by friends and political opponents alike. He was a man of great principle and integrity, and the community of Norwich and Norfolk will be poorer for his passing.

At this difficult time, my thoughts are with his wife Diana and their family."

He is survived by Diana, and their son, Arthur, and daughter, Frances.