HUNDREDS of friends, family and colleagues of former Swindon mayor Rex Barnett celebrated his life yesterday.

Fond memories were shared as part of a service at St Mary’s Church in Rodbourne Cheney in honour of the popular 74-year-old Haydon Wick councillor, who died at Great Western Hospital on June 11.

About 300 people attended the service, which was led by the Reverend Nick Lines, and they heard from Rex’s brother-in-law, Haydn Newman, who shared some of his favourite memories.

“Rex had a great ability to laugh at himself, never trying to be something he wasn’t,” he said.

“There is a photograph of him being introduced to Prince Harry. Prince Harry will have met the same Rex a complete stranger would have met because there was only one Rex.

“We, as a family, are so very proud of all the kind words and tributes paid to Rex in the last few days. If Rex could see this tribute today he would say, with a huge smile, ‘magic’.

“Although this is a celebration of Rex’s life, we as a family would like to pay tribute to his wife, Sandra. Sandra was always on his side, supporting him so enthusiastically.”

Rex also leaves behind two daughters, Sara and Alison, and four grandchildren.

Haydn said: “So many happy memories of Rex centre around Christmas. Rex was always first to put his party hat on and the last to take it off.

“When we found out he was going to be mayor, my daughter made him a chain from gold chocolate coins and a flag. Rex absolutely loved it. He accepted it with a smile and put it on immediately. Despite warnings it would melt, he wouldn’t take it off.”

Rex was first elected as a councillor in Penhill and Gorse Hill in the late 1960s.

He served as a Swindon and Wiltshire councillor in the late 1960s and early 1970s until pressure of work forced him to stand down.

In 2007, he became a councillor for Haydon Wick.

Rex was diagnosed with mesothelioma at the end of his mayoral year in 2011.

Fellow Haydon Wick councillor and Swindon Council leader, David Renard, paid tribute to Rex’s tireless work in the community.

He said he enjoyed tackling issues alongside Rex, including the floods in Haydon Wick.

Coun Renard said: “Rex was a tireless worker in his ward and many will remember him as the Haydon Wick councillor.

“Rex’s greatest achievement was his time as mayor. He had one of the busiest diaries of any mayor in recent years.

“Rex had a huge impact on me as I am sure he did on many others. I will miss him as a friend and colleague.

“I don’t believe he ever called me by my name. He always called me chief. I can’t recall how, why or when it started, but I always found it endearing. Life won’t be the same again not hearing him say it.”

Rex’s friend of more than 50 years, Ron Herring, remembered years of family holidays together, including a camping trip when Rex arrived with the kitchen table strapped upside-down to the roof of his car.

Ron said: “Rex has become a legend in this town. Not by any sporting prowess or physical achievements but because of his kindness and determination to help where help is needed. He was always there for me.

“He always knew somebody who knew somebody when I needed advice. I have been very fortunate in having had Rex as my friend.”

During his time as mayor, Rex raised £68,000 for his three chosen charities – Prospect Hospice, the Willows Counselling Service and the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement (CALM). A further 11 charities and good causes also benefitted from that total.

The Rev David Ray read a tribute on behalf of the executive of Willows Counselling Service, Mike Fisher, who said Rex was always full of ideas and enthusiasm.

Rex’s daughter Sara read a poem and the Kentwood Choir sang at the service.