Last week, I heard the very sad news that Patrick Maclarnon had passed away.

Patrick was one of the finest men one could ever meet. As an active Conservative in Harlow he was a huge influence on me. Many a weekend we spent canvassing together, or doing campaigning stalls in Broadwalk. He was one of those kind of people who would never say no - turning up to help whenever he was asked.

When I first was selected for Harlow as Parliamentary Candidate back in 1999, he did more than most to support me and make me feel welcome. His late wife - Patsy - who Patrick nurtured and looked after in her illness - also treated me like a son, regularly inviting me for an old fashioned afternoon tea.

It was for his service to the Conservative Party, that in 2008, he was awarded the Harlow Conservative 'Alan Pond Award', for his long dedication to the Conservative cause.

But Patrick wasn't just important to me - and fellow Conservatives - just because he was a passionate campaigner. It was much more than this.

Patrick stood for something special. Deep Conservative values of aspiration, decency, hard-work, respect and a love for tradition. He didn't just stand for them, he embodied them in every being and fibre of his body. Every word he spoke, every action, everything he did - reflected what he stood for. He was an example to us all. He made our wrongs right again.

Patrick McClarnon, who served our country in the Second World War with distinction, who served Harlow to his best ability as Councillor and who served the Conservative Party in such a special way, may he rest in peace.

Patrick's funeral service will be held on 30th December at St Paul's Church.

Posted By Blogger to Rob's Blog at 12/26/2011 12:50:00 PM