Sector figures have paid tribute to charity finance consultant David Membrey, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 61.

Membrey worked for almost 40 years in the charity sector including 10 years as deputy chief executive of the Charity Finance Group (CFG) and a stint as deputy chair of Keep Britain Tidy.

He began his first role in the sector at Book Aid in 1985, where he worked for 18 years, ending up as deputy director.

Membrey then worked at CFG, where he was also acting chief executive for a period, before joining consultancy Adapta in 2014, where he worked on a variety of projects for the charity sector.

During his career, Membrey was a trustee of many charities including the Index on Censorship, PhotoVoice, Socitm and Keep Britain Tidy.

He died on 20 August after developing neuroendocrine cancer earlier this year. He had a wife, Caroline, and a daughter, Alice.

‘A smashing bloke with a huge talent’

John Tate, who worked with David at CFG, PhotoVoice and Socitm, said: “I am hugely sad that we lost such a smashing bloke with a huge talent.

“David was a really decent, compassionate individual, widely respected by all who knew him. He loved his work in the sector, applying a high level of integrity and professionalism to all he did. He is a huge loss and will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.”

Caron Bradshaw, chief executive of CFG, said: “David was that rare individual, someone for whom there were no bad words to say.

“He was a tremendous support to me when I started at Charity Finance Group, a massive support as we went through restructuring – changes that he supported despite knowing that his role would cease – and remained a friend of CFG until the end.

“Loved by our corporate and charity members alike, calm in a crisis, pragmatic, caring and generous – an absolutely fantastic person. I was privileged to share a workspace with him.

“David went on to make a significant mark on numerous charities through his brilliant work at Adapta.

“I am so grateful to have spent some time with David at the Adapta summer drinks this year and to still see that sparkle in his eye despite knowing the life-limiting illness he was enduring. He was held in high regard by one and all, and will be very much missed.”

‘A true gentleman’

Suzy Brain England, chair of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “David Membrey supported the voluntary sector with his financial and technical expertise for many years.

“He did a sterling job as the deputy chair and EDI trustee on the Keep Britain Tidy board. We miss him and send our sincerest condolences to his family.”

Adapta Consulting wrote on social media: “David played an integral role at Adapta since joining in 2014. His contributions to our development and growth were significant – and we are extremely grateful, and honoured, to have had him on our team.

“David will be remembered fondly as an exceptional human being – caring, considered, kind, principled and full of integrity – who believed in a better society for everyone. A true gentleman in every sense of the word. We will miss him enormously.”