RIP Larry Bain

Like many residents, I got the news of Revd Larry Bain’s passing via social media.

We all knew Larry from his time as the Vicar of Heatherside Church, but a couple of years ago, Larry left Surrey Heath for pastures new to lead a church in the Black Country. Anyone who knew Larry as well as I did know his heart was very much here.

Larry and I had become good pals over the years. I had a WhatsApp exchange with him very recently when I planned to visit him, cycle some of the incredible canals close to where he lives, and go out for a curry.

I have so many fond memories of my friend, too many to share here, but I will never forget him and will always be enormously grateful for two things.

Firstly, the counsel he gave me throughout the first few years I was elected to the Surrey Heath Borough Council. I was given a tough time on social media and was routinely attacked by opposition members with some untrue and unpleasant things. Larry gave me incredible support during that time; I would have quit if it had not been for him and he gave me the strength and coping strategy to carry on. This was mainly through friendship and incredible listening skills, either over breakfast at Deepcut Cafe or a curry.

But the thing I am most grateful for, as are all of my family, is the support he gave me when my twin brother was sick. He had Lymphoma and was within an inch of his life. Larry and other religious leaders locally lead prayer circles. He prayed for my brother for months until he was recovering, and he also routinely called/messaged me to check I was OK. I still have those messages.

The most remarkable thing about Larry Bain is that the love and friendship I hold for this man is not unique. I know many people in our community (and I have no doubt in his new community) who feel the same way and will be equally devastated about the loss of this lovely man as I am.

RIP Larry Bain