Remembering Warren Lakin (1954–2025)
Remembering Warren Lakin (1954–2025)
We are deeply saddened by the death of Warren Lakin, who died on 7 December 2025. Warren was a thoughtful, compassionate presence in Suffolk’s community life, whose commitment to people, place and the natural world was expressed quietly but with lasting impact.
Warren was a founding director of Wild Heritage Suffolk CIC, alongside Catherine Supple and Steve Adams. From the outset, he played a vital role in helping us take root — shaping our values, supporting our governance, and crucially helping to secure funding and sustainability. Much of Wild Heritage Suffolk’s emphasis on access, inclusion and longterm care for the environment bears his imprint.
Characteristically, Warren worked in the background, enabling others to lead while ensuring that ideas were grounded, viable and supported. He believed deeply in the power of small, local actions — shared outdoor spaces, wildlifefriendly gardening and community learning — to foster connection and belonging across Suffolk.
Alongside this local work, Warren had a rich life in the arts as a comedy and theatre producer. As a young man, he helped establish major jazz events in Southend, quietly persuading the legendary Stephane Grapelli to headline. He went on to support and produce a wide range of live performance, including a long and significant professional and personal partnership with the muchloved late comedian Linda Smith. He was also involved with Humanists UK, contributing generously to humanist life and thought.
Warren’s life was also shaped by his partnership with Debra Reay. During his time in Suffolk with Debra he continued his comedy producing work through Lakin McCarthy Entertainment, sustaining a creative life alongside his environmental and community commitments. Together, Warren and Debra shared a deep dedication to grassroots action, cultural life and care for the places and people around them.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Debra, to Warren’s family and friends, and to all who worked with him. He will be greatly missed. His legacy lives on through Wild Heritage Suffolk and the many communities he helped to nurture.
Warren was instrumental in starting of Wild Heritage Suffolk CIC. Warren first visited the Walled Garden solely to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings, however it didn't take him long to come along just to chat to the volunteers, buy the produce and of course his favourite 'Mint Choc Shard' ice lollies. When he knew that we were looking for help in starting a Community Interest Company he got the ball rolling and he obviously knew what he was doing! Whilst we were digging and growing in the walled garden, he was busy applying for funding for our Wild Hut and planning the Let It Grow Project which was a successful horticultural therapy project. Without having Warren; and also Debbie; as part of the team Wild Heritage Suffolk CIC may not have happened which would have been a massive shame. WHS CIC helped a wide range of folk from the local community to overcome personal difficulties and also enabled the volunteers in the walled garden to have a good laugh, learn new skills and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Thank you, Warren.
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- Catherine Supple, Founding Director of Wild Heritage Suffolk
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