In memory of Glenn Maffia, the Voices columnist, who passed away on January 10 at the age of 66, Voices has compiled some reflections from friends and family.

His brother Brian said: “Glenn was a wonderful brother and will be missed so much.”

A cremation service will be held on Wednesday January 31, at 15.00 at South Essex Crematorium, in Upminster.  A wake will be held later at the Huntsman and Hounds pub.

His friend, Jay Jean Jackson, took a moment to reflect on a good friend taken too early. She said: “I met Glenn in 2015, our mutual fascination in the Apollon Temple is what initially brought us together. Our friendship grew as we delighted in discussing the many ancient archaeological sites we were so fortunate to have access to.

How we loved discussing astronomy, the Greek Gods and Goddesses of mythology and debating theories and new discoveries in and around these ancient sites. We visited many sites over the next few years: Magnesia, Aphrodisias, Ephesus, and Miletus, and, of course, the Temple of Apollo on so many occasions.

I learnt so much from Glenn, every visit was an education for me thanks to Glenn’s extensive knowledge, his enthusiasm added to the pleasure of these visits but the Apollon Temple was the place that really captured his heart.

Glenn was an academic, a brilliant writer and he had a wicked sense of humour. I will miss our discussions, I will miss visiting ancient sites and sharing the excitement over new discoveries of our local treasures but, mostly, I will miss Glenn’s friendship, his laughter and his compassion. R.I.P. my friend.”