PASTOR Glen Gray, a passionate Redlands resident instrumental in founding some of the community's best-loved events, has passed away.
He died on November 2 after a long illness. He was 84.
Mayor Karen Williams paid tribute to Pastor Gray at a council meeting on Wednesday, describing him as a very generous man who touched the lives of countless residents.
He and wife Merna were supporters of local causes including food banks, and helped to start community events such as the Redlands Easter Family Festival.
The festival, which sees local churches come together for a free day of community fun, is one of the most popular events in the Redlands' calendar and marked its 20th anniversary last year.
It has attracted crowds of more than 20,000 in the past, making it one of the Redlands' most popular community events.
Pastor Gray was also instrumental in establishing the Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast, an annual event which raises funds for for chaplaincy programs in Redlands state schools.
Cr Williams said countless lives had been impacted by Pastor Gray's work.
"It's fair to say through the chaplaincy program...there are many many lives that have been affected through his ... efforts," she said.
The inaugural Pastor Glen Gray Award was given out at this year's Mayoral Prayer Breakfast, recognising a chaplain doing great work in the community.
The 2020 award went to Grant Lea for his work supporting students at Dunwich State School and The Sycamore School.
Cr Williams said the award was founded to encourage people to leave a legacy like Pastor Gray's.
He was well-known for closing each Mayoral Prayer Breakfast with the phrase "bless you real good".
"These words are engraved on that award that bears his name ensuring his legacy and commitment will remain part of this community," Cr Williams said.
Friends, family and community members have paid tribute to Pastor Gray, describing him as loyal, humble and inspiring.
He was admired for his cheerful demeanour, sense of humour, passion and faith.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday at 10.30am at Thornlands. Numbers are limited due to COVID-19 but the event will be livestreamed.
