A former Mayor of Watford who dedicated much of his career to improving the lives of others has died.

Friends, family and former colleagues are mourning the loss of Alec Merrifield, whose years of diligent public service saw him serve as a councillor, a magistrate, and even as the Queen’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire.

Mr Merrifield, of Patchetts Green, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 82 after a battle with illness.

Born and raised in the town, he attended Watford Grammar School for Boys before embarking on a successful career; first with the RAF, where he helped with the Berlin Airlift, and later in the life insurance industry, where he rose to the very top of his field.

Never forgetting his humble roots in the Vicarage Road area, he represented the Labour party at Watford Town Hall in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, when he devoted a great deal of his time to building many of the council houses that remain in use today.

He served as Mayor between 1968 and 1969, when he was the youngest ever holder of the ceremonial office at the age of just 39.

His sons, John and Ian, remembered a loving family man who was devoted to his wife Beryl and grandchildren, Daniel and Sophie.

They said: “He had a belief that he should do all he could to help others – that was just the sort of person he was. He was a real people man and believed most of all in fairness.

“He found himself the man of the house when he was just 14 and had to look after his mother and two sisters. But even when he was younger he was organising youth clubs and taking an interest in politics.”

Mr Merrifield, who served as Mayor between 1968 and 1969, also served as chairman of the bench at Watford Magistrates Court and was a member of Hertfordshire Police Authority in later years.

For his achievements in business he was also honoured with the title Freeman of the City of London.

Friend and former council colleague Norman Tyrwhitt, who twice held the position of Mayor, said: “He was a very friendly man with a good sense of humour. He was a very useful man to have in the Labour group because he was so good at communicating with people.

“He had a good old fashioned belief in socialism and he will be missed.”

Mr Merrifield’s funeral will be held at the West Herts Crematorium at 12pm on Friday, May 6. His family has requested no flowers and is asking instead for donations to the PSP Association via MK Ginder.