Colchester tributes flood in for ex-mayor Ray Gamble

Ray Gamble, who became a Colchester borough councillor in 1990 and was the mayor in 2007 and 2008, has died aged 77.

Husband to Jenny Gamble, 73, father of Nick, 46, and Kerry, 48, and grandfather to six grandchildren, Mr Gamble was a family man who wanted to help others less fortunate than himself.

Mr Gamble, who grew up in Thornton Heath, Surrey, moved to Colchester in 1974 with his wife after marrying the previous year.

Helping - Councillor Ray Gamble briefs a concerned resident about possible housing on a greenfield site (Image: Alan Hayman)

The couple had met through a mutual friend at a Crystal Palace FC match a few years before.

In his career, Mr Gamble was a probation officer, mature student and eventually a councillor for the ward formally known as St John’s from 1990 to 2016.

Throughout his years actively serving the community, Mr Gamble was chairman of the council’s planning committee, held a senior role at Colchester Borough Homes, and was chairman of the council’s governance committee.

Mrs Gamble said there were many highlights, including signing documents at Colchester United’s last match at the Layer Road ground in 2008 before the club moved to the Community Stadium.

Another highlight was being asked by a resident to welcome home their son who had lost a friend while serving in Afghanistan.

Flashback - Mayor Ray Gamble at the signing of papers for the new football stadium with Peter Heard (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Gamble not only went to visit the man but invited him to the Oyster Feast and dedicated a speech to the soldier, who received a standing ovation.

Mrs Gamble said: “He was a lovely man, very kind.

"He was devoted to his family. The tributes I’ve had from people in all walks of his life - Rotary, council and probation work - said he was a true gentleman.

“He was a good husband and father. He was very caring, very community minded.

"His whole life has been spent serving the community.”

Mr Gamble was also an alderman and president of Colchester Rotary, collecting donations dressed as Father Christmas for the club.

He was also a huge football fan.

On June 26, surrounded by his family, Mr Gamble, who had diabetes, passed away at Colchester Hospital from pneumonia after being admitted a fortnight before.

Proud - Former Colchester Mayor, Ray Gamble (Image: Public)

Mrs Gamble said it was a “shock” for the family, but he “died peacefully”.

Colchester mayor Lesley Scott-Boutell said: “On behalf of Colchester City Council, I offer our sincere condolences on the passing of Alderman Ray Gamble.

“His contributions to both St John’s and the broader community have left a lasting legacy.

“When I joined the council in 2002, Ray was a seasoned councillor whose expertise I greatly valued.

“His insights and mentorship were instrumental in shaping my understanding of effective public service. Ray’s impact on our community and his exemplary public service will be remembered with gratitude.”

Former councillor and magistrate Alan Hayman said: "It was my privilege to serve with Ray as a councillor in St John's ward.

“He was a hard-working and dedicated public servant, who always went the second mile to help local residents.

“As a probation officer, he was highly regarded by the Colchester bench for the quality of his reports on offenders."

Former Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell said: “Ray Gamble was one of the people who transformed the political landscape of Colchester, notably in the St John’s area.

“He was a leading member of the team which changed the ward from a Conservative stronghold to a Liberal Democrat stronghold which it has been now for nearly 40 years.

“He was a quiet, dedicated, behind-the-scenes activist who became a long-serving councillor and in due course mayor of Colchester, a year which he and his wife Jenny greatly enjoyed.

“Ray was one of the key people behind my election as MP in 1997 and was a supporter throughout my 18 years as MP.

"He was reliable and a good friend.”