Family, friends and colleagues gathered Saturday to remember former London mayor and controller Tom Gosnell.

A memorial service was held Saturday afternoon at Metropolitan United Church, across from city hall where he spent a good portion of his life dedicated to public service.

He served as the mayor of London from 1986 until 1994.

"How do you eulogize a man who was the epitome of what a leader should be? He was a dedicated person who wanted to give back to the city that he lived and grew up in," said former police chief Murray Faulkner, who delivered the eulogy.

Gosnell was one of the youngest aldermen on city council in the late 1970s and early 80s.

He became mayor at the age of 34.

Gosnell also served on the Board of Control from 2003 to 2010, during which time he was also budget chief and deputy mayor.

Former police chief and friend of Gosnell, Murray Faulkner delivered the eulogy.

Gosnell passed away late Monday night in his London home.

He had battled cancer for an extended period of time. Gosnell was 63.

Gosnell is survived by his wife and three children.