Tributes to Roger Seabourne

Three Rivers District councillors have paid tribute to Roger Seabourne, a former district councillor who sadly passed away on Wednesday 16 October aged 73. You can read more about Roger Seabourne and his time as a Three Rivers District Councillor here.

Cllr Oliver Cooper, on behalf of the Conservative Group, said: "Roger was hugely respected in the local community. Roger took to public service at the council and Rickmansworth School with a straight bat, an open heart, and good humour. He will be remembered by generations of residents and pupils whose lives were enriched by having been nurtured by him."

Cllr Stephen Cox, on behalf of the Labour Group, said "Former councillor Seabourne had a long and distinguished record of service to the community spanning decades to which I pay tribute. He was a man of great principle. Our thoughts are with his family and friends." 

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “We were so lucky to have Roger at Three Rivers District Council for more than three decades. I always respected his knowledge of local government and his immense dedication to public life.

“Roger was a Titan at the district council. He was universally liked and respected by residents and members but did not take fools gladly, always wanting the best for our residents and pressing officers to go further. I am sure he will be greatly missed by many across Three Rivers. My thoughts and condolences are with Roger’s friends and family at this very difficult time.”

Cllr Rue Grewal said: “This is my own personal tribute to Roger. Over the past 18 months, Roger became a deeply compassionate and selfless presence in my life. He was one of those rare individuals whose care and admiration for others shone through in everything he did, and I was fortunate enough to experience that firsthand. In his desire to help me serve my community, he supported me in ways that went beyond the Council chamber.

“We spent many afternoons together, discussing life, our shared love of golf, and when Roger received his diagnosis, I was deeply honoured that he chose to share that vulnerable space with me. He showed me a level of compassion and admiration that I will forever be grateful for, and I feel privileged to have shared in his journey.

“We laughed and cried as we discussed how to prepare for the inevitable after his life-limiting prognosis, and I know he ultimately found that elusive inner peace and acceptance. His strength and grace through it all left a lasting impact on me, and I will always remember him with great respect and admiration.

“I find comfort in knowing that one day, we’ll meet again on that perfect golf course. Until then, Roger, I’ll cherish every conversation, every laugh, and every moment we shared. I know you’ll be waiting for me with a club in hand, ready for the next round.”

Cllr Raj Khiroya, Chair of Three Rivers District Council, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Roger. My thoughts are with his friends and family.

“With a career in public service for more than 30 years, Roger’s unwavering dedication helped shape the district that we know and love today. He was the embodiment of what public service should be. His profound influence will be missed but not forgotten.”

Cllr Chris Mitchell, of the Green Party Group, said: “I knew Roger for over 30 years. He was our councillor in Croxley Green for many years and served us well. His daughter was in the same primary school class as ours and we knew each other through the school. Roger will be sorely missed as he was a lively and great character.”

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Deputy Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “I am very saddened to learn about Roger’s passing. Roger and I were not only ward members for Penn and Mill End for a decade, but also very good friends.

“I will remember the laughs that we shared. He was an avid traveller, and I will miss hearing about his trips and adventures abroad and his love for golf. He will be greatly missed.”

Cllr Jon Tankard said: "Roger believed the purpose of a councillor was to serve residents and provide assistance to the community where needed. This he did amicably throughout his time as a councillor.

"On a personal level, from my early days, he always assisted my blundering understanding of the policy and process of council proceedings, in a positive and well meaning way, never tiring of my 'this is stupid' short tempered responses, but always going beyond, in his gentle manner, to explain why the system was so set, never once becoming terse or mocking of my ignorance. His passing is a true loss to the community and although I exercise no religious beliefs, I do believe his soul is sitting somewhere warm, with the sun on his gently smiling face."