A charisma that ‘lit up’ a room
Royal Borough: Tributes to former council chief executive
A former chief executive for the Royal Borough and ‘larger than life’ figure in the community has passed away aged 75.
David Lunn, who lived in Bourne End for decades, had a career spanning 40 years in local government – 12 of them as chief executive for the council.
He became assistant borough secretary in 1982 and became the chief executive in 1996. He retired in 2008.
David was known during his time in the council as a colourful character who liked to wear brightly coloured braces.
Since his passing at the beginning of this month, ‘heaps and heaps’ of cards and letters have poured into the family.
“‘Larger than life’ is the phrase that seems to keep coming. Lots of people remember him,” said his wife, Ruby.
She added that it was ‘touching’ how many people whom David ‘helped along the way’ with their careers are looking to attend his funeral.
“He lit up a room with his presence and mischievous sense of fun,” said son Nick.
“He was the most generous person we know, a charismatic and energising personality – people were drawn to him.”
David ‘relished a challenge’ and ‘enjoyed being the centre of attention’ – getting involved in national events, including various royal functions in Windsor.
“He was a great raconteur and public speaker, a master wordsmith – a brilliant people-person who got things done,” said Nick.
He was also ‘a huge rugby and cricket fan’ and loved ‘the finer things in life’ including Michelin-star food and red wine.
Since 2005, David battled prostate cancer on and off.
“He [talked about] it to the Advertiser and helped a lot of people who were having the same problem along the way,” said Ruby.
An active figure in Windsor, David was also
involved in convincing Legoland to set up in Windsor.
He was a trustee of Cumberland Lodge, a charity addressing social division based in Windsor Great Park.
David was awarded an OBE in 2002 in recognition of his services towards tourism – one of the things he was most proud of, as well as his involvement with the royals.
He had an official role at the King Charles’ and the Queen Consort’s wedding.
In a quirky turn of events, true to his character, David also held Elton John and David Furnish’s dog when they got married at the Guildhall.
David was awarded the Freedom of the Borough in recognition of his many years of service to the council after he retired – the highest award that the council can award.
It is a power that is ‘very rarely used’ and is normally only awarded to local people who have made a ‘significant contribution to the locality or have achieved something outstanding.’
The mayor, Councillor Christine Bateson, said: “We are all very saddened to hear of David’s passing and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
“David played an important part in creating and shaping the council as a unitary authority in April 1998, taking it through of period of significant change.
“He is still remembered fondly by many staff who worked with him, and who continue to work at the council to this day and will be sadly missed.”
David was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2017 and his cancer came back towards the end of last year.
He passed away peacefully on November 1, surrounded by his family.
Donations in memory of David will be welcome to Rennie Grove Hospice Care.
“They were with us from the beginning of his decline to the very end – they were so supportive,” said Ruby of the charity.