Agenda item

The Chair referred to the recent sad death of Councillor Kevin Hughes following a brave fight against Covid-19.  She expressed sincere condolences to his wife, family,  friends, and residents of his Ward.  She invited Councillor Chris Dolphin to lead the tributes.

            Councillor Dolphin spoke of the personal and professional attributes of Councillor Hughes whom he regarded as a friend as well as a colleague.  He said he was highly respected by all who knew him and was a genuine and good man.

            The Leader of the Council paid tribute to Councillor Hughes whom he said was a special person and regarded as a friend by many people.  He would be greatly missed.  He said his contribution as a member of the Authority had been considerable and he was well respected by his local community, Members of the Council, and the Authority’s Officers and staff.  Councillor Hughes was an active local member and represented his community with integrity.  He spoke of his personal qualities, hobbies, and particularly passion for football.    Councillor Roberts said he had been given the privilege of attending a service of commemoration for Councillor Hughes which although expressing deep regret for his loss gave thanks and celebration for his life and legacy.

            Councillors Mike Peers, Patrick Heesom, Tony Sharps, Chris Bithell, Derek Butler, Ian Dunbar, Andy Dunbobbin, and Aaron Shotton all expressed their deepest sympathy to Councillor Hughes’ wife and family.  Members paid tribute to Councillor Hughes and spoke of his strength of character and intuition, distinguished behaviour, care and kindness towards others, sense of humour, enthusiasm and willingness to help a good cause.  It was said that nothing was too much trouble for Councillor Hughes who was hard working and a true gentleman. Despite the fight to overcome his own illness he did his utmost to warn others of the danger of Coronavirus and sent a message to all Members from hospital urging them and the residents of Flintshire to protect themselves.   

            The Chair informed that she had also received condolences from the Chief Executive of Wrexham Borough Council and Reverend Daniel Stroud.  A virtual book of condolence was available on the Authority’s website to enable further tributes from Members and Officers to be made to Councillor Hughes.

In paying tribute the Chief Executive also spoke on behalf of the Authority’s Officers and reiterated that Councillor Hughes was very well respected and popular, and had served the Council well.  He extended deepest sympathy to his family and friends on their loss and concurred with all the warm sentiments expressed. 

The Chair also referred to the sad news of the death of former Councillor Norma Humphreys who had been a long-standing Member of the Authority and had represented the Higher Kinnerton Ward until 2012.   The Chair spoke of the kindness and support Councillor Humphreys had extended to her when she joined the Authority as a newly elected Councillor.  She expressed her condolences to her family and friends on their sad loss.

The Chair asked Members to join her in a minutes silence in tribute to the late Councillors Kevin Hughes and Norma Humphreys.