A memorial supper for the late Jan Parkinson, former managing director of Local Government Employers, has been held in London.

It came days before The MJ presented a prize in her memory at the annual Public Sector People Managers’ Association (PPMA) conference in Leeds.

Here, John Ransford looks back on Jan’s extraordinary life, which was tragically cut short earlier this year by cancer.

It seems incredible that so much life, so much vitality and so much joy has sprung from the premature death of an irreplaceable friend and colleague.

The end of Jan Parkinson’s fight against cancer at the beginning of January was a rotten start to the year.

Yet, through her preparation, reputation and example, and the determination of her husband, David Stoker, I dare to suggest that her light shines more brightly than ever now.

Many of us were privileged to take part in her funeral in Leigh, her recent gathering in London or both.

Just as Jan had allowed no misery or mawkishness around her after her diagnosis, both were upbeat celebrations of who she was and what she represented.

I know she would have loved to take part in both and in some ways it seemed as if she was there.

Jan had no faith or spiritual dimension of her own, although she respected and appreciated those who do.

So her funeral was secular and, like the woman herself, with no pretence or compromise.

We were all encouraged by the amusing memories and music, but, for me, the great privilege was to meet and be with her extended family.

Jan moved off and up in the world but never lost her roots.

The pride demonstrated by family members, the strength and quiet dignity of her parents and the warmth of their welcome to those of us who came to know her professionally were absolute.

Here was someone who devoted her life to public service who would not let wealth, social class or hollow rhetoric spoil what she stood for or get in the way of family and community.

The London celebration was in Brunswick House, next to the modern functionalism of the Vauxhall Cross roundabout.

I have walked past this building many times, wondering about its seeming incompatibility with the neighbourhood, without venturing in.

It is wonderful - a beacon of tranquil elegance surrounded by the daily grind.

So like the woman herself really.

David said she had planned her own event there so it was a fitting venue for her friends to gather.

Jan had no problems with sipping champagne and enjoying the good things in life, but she had so much depth and purpose too.

The young dancers she joined and inspired in recent years were as essential a part of her world as leaders in local government.

This was a very joyful occasion too.

They threw us out in the end, but she would not have wanted us to linger unduly.

She would have told us to enjoy ourselves, and then go and get on with what we should be doing.

Jan will not fade away because anyone who came to know her - in any walk of life - simply could not forget her.

The dancers, LGA and PPMA, local government and health networks in the northeast, employers groups and trade unionists, her close friends and, above all, that wonderful family in Leigh will continue the celebrations and be inspired by her.

Jan was truly remarkable and taken from us far too soon.

Our best tribute is to remember with affection who she was and what she represented, and to live out something of her genuineness and integrity.

We will always love you Jan.