Death of Jonathan Siegler - head of development at Bedfordshire Community Foundation's

But in addition to his terrific sense of humour, Jonathan Siegler, who died last month, was also a highly respected member of Bedfordshire’s charity sector. He came from a well-known Luton family – his father is retired L&D respiratory consultant David Siegler – and was a much-loved husband, son and brother.

Head of development at Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation, Jonathan was successfully treated for mouth cancer in 2015 but was diagnosed with another, inoperable, tumour last year.

He married the love of his life, digital consultant Kate Banks, at Luton Hoo in December.

She said: “He battled the disease with such admirable courage and passion for life.

“He was my soul mate and we were inseparable from the day we met. I will miss him every day of my life.”

His mother Julia added: “He was so determined to get better. He was larger than life, he loved sport – he loved going to football with his Dad but his passion was cars. His death was a terrible shock.”

Jonathan, who has a younger sister, Ruth, was born in London and educated in Bedford. He read business studies in London and joined the Foundation as a grant application assessor. He was appointed head of development in 2015.

Spokeswoman Fozia Irfan said: “Jonathan was a valued and much-loved member of our team. He was passionate about his work, particularly in terms of helping people who face disadvantage in our communities.

“He embodied the principle of generosity and his wit, warmth and laughter will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to meet him.”

Luton Rotary Club spokeman John Maddox said: “Jonathan was a member for only 19 months but his extensive knowledge of the charity sector was of enormous value and he is a great loss to the Club.”