A 38-year-old Runnymede councillor who served his community for 16 years has died.

Jonathan Wilson’s death has been described by friends and colleagues as unexpected and tragic.

The Addlestone South councillor, and former Royal Holloway student, was first elected to the borough in 2008. He quickly made himself a popular figure within his group – who described him as being a calming influence with an infectious dry wit and, more importantly “a great friend”.

Fellow Addlestone South Councillor Peter Snow said: “Jonathan was the calming influence in the turbulent times of our council often being the voice of reason. He was passionate about his residents and dedicated to the committees he served on.

“His interest and knowledge was wide and well versed, from licensing to planning, he was always well read on the committee papers.”

Jonathan was first elected to Runnymede Borough Council in 2008 in the ward of Egham Hythe and served on the council for three terms until May 2018. He was again re-elected in 2019 where he served as a member for Addlestone South.

Cllr Snow said: “During the 2014 floods of his ward, along with fellow councillors, Jonathan was an integral part of unifying the residents effort in the formation of the Egham Hythe flood relief centre.

“Dedicating many hours for the centre to remain a positive function for residents who basically lost everything, no job was to big or small.

“He loaded the pallets vans, stacked the hall, made the tea, swept the floor, or simply sat and comforted those who just needed an ear to talk to.

“Jonathan was kind, generous, and always supportive, he had many loves in life, be it a fine bottle of wine, the best steak houses or a particular favourite Italian restaurant in Egham for his skate wing.

“Through all of this he always wanted our company to share with him and enjoy the experience. He was an excellent councillor, a great friend and possessed an infectious dry wit sense-of-humour.

“While he worked hard and enjoyed his passion for big ship cruises, it’s his dedication and kindness, we shall all remember him for.

News was first shared among close friends and family on Monday.

Cllr Snow added: “He was a gentle, loveable,  kind person and I don't think Ii ever heard him  say anything out of turn or derogatory about anybody.

“He was my sounding board. I’d always use Jonathan as my last resort and he would always bring me back to the middle.”