Working closely with Stephen Jones was a great pleasure and a truly interesting experience. 

The more I got to know Stephen the more I realised just how talented he was.

Stephen brought his excellent financial acumen to his role as director of finance at the Local Government Association (LGA). 

It was a very financially challenging time for the organisation and Stephen's expertise and clarity of analysis were invaluable.

One of the most anxious times for me as  chairman of the organisation was dealing with the issues resulting from the Icelandic banking crisis. 

Stephen waded in unflappable and worked out exactly what should be done and got on with it. 

The  local authorities that have now been compensated have Stephen to thank for his foresight and his determination to see them as preferred creditors.

After my term of office at the LGA had ended and I had become a member of the House of Lords, as I walked home around 10.30pm passing LGA House I regularly would see Stephen leaving work at the end of a very long day.

I often wondered, as Stephen worked so hard and for such long hours, how he could find the time to be the excellent viola player and also accomplished church organist that he was.

Stephen was one of the most modest people I know. 

He was a devoted family man and a very private person, never complaining about the cruel illness he suffered.

I will always remember warmly the person who gave such support and expertise to the organisation and to me personally. 

Stephen will be greatly missed by all who knew him.