Cédric Monvoisin, a long-time resident of Thornton Heath and member of Thornton Heath Community Action Team, sadly passed on November 6 at Croydon University Hospital after a short illness.

He leaves behind his partner Craig, his loving family, and many friends from around the world, many of whom he met on his travels, with memories of a life well lived. 

Cédric was a kind, generous person who gave valuable time and commitment to community activities in Thornton Heath with the aim of creating a better environment for local residents. 

Cédric’s life was far too short, but he made those 45 years count. They were packed with travel, fun, and above all adventure. 

He spent part of each year in Miami, but also enjoyed travels across the world, experiencing new cultures and sampling local cuisine. 

Once back in London he would become actively involved in whatever community issues needed resolving and the community will be poorer for his absence.

Born in France, Cédric came to live in the UK in 1999, making his home first in Scotland through his job at IBM. 

He and his partner moved south in 2006 and subsequently settled in Brook Road. Cédric embraced the British way of life, if never quite the accent or the cuisine!

Craig said: “He tasted fish and chips for the first time in 2014 and declared once was enough!”

Cédric was a proud resident of Brook Road and an enthusiastic member of the Thornton Heath Community Action Team. He loved his community and was committed to being actively involved in local events including the Thornton Heath Market, the Festival of Light, and the Croydon Mela.

As a member of THCAT, Cédric worked with other local residents, local councillors and meetings with MP Steve Reed, to resolve issues affecting the community. In particular, he was involved in the creation of the one-way system in Brook Road and as street representative, helped to maintain the local planter and led the development of a beautiful mural for Brook Road, creating a lasting legacy for the neighbourhood.

Craig said: “Cédric had the invaluable gift of friendship and his loss leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him. Once met, he was never forgotten – as messages of condolences from around the world testify. 

“Many neighbours; colleagues with whom Cédric had worked, even decades ago; old and new friends from around the world have all been in touch to express how their worlds will be less elegant, less fun without Cédric in it. 

“Cédric loved dancing and could always be relied on to keep the party going. An accomplished chef, his culinary creations became legend to those lucky enough to be invited to his garden and house gatherings. Cédric had the natural ability to make everyone at ease in his presence. 

“His generous spirit meant that neighbours soon became lasting friends. He could always be relied on to be support his local community in moments of need; cooking meals when people were ill, looking for lost cats, and just meeting neighbours for a chat, conversations invariably sprinkled with his ever-present and infectious laugh.”

Covid restrictions meant there could only be a small funeral in his hometown in France. But to mark his happy years in Thornton Heath a fundraiser is being organised to create a lasting memorial in the local community, which Cédric loved so much.

To support the memorial fund set up for Cédric’s name donate here