Tributes as councillor dies suddenly

By Jenny Barwise

Last updated 15:35, Wednesday, 03 September 2008

Allerdale councillor John Heathcote has died suddenly at the age of 68.

Tributes: Councillor John Heathcote

Mr Heathcote, of Moorfield Avenue, Workington, is believed to have collapsed on Monday night at the town’s Conservative Club on Vulcans Lane, and later died at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven.

Councillor Michael Davidson, who served with Mr Heathcote as a councillor for Workington St John’s ward, said: “As far as anybody knew, he was in good health.”

Mr Heathcote became a councillor in 1974, when Allerdale Council formed.

Most recently he represented the St John’s ward of Workington from 2003 as a Conservative councillor, retaining his seat at last year’s election, forming part of the Alliance group.

Councillor Joe Milburn, leader of Allerdale Council, said: “It’s a very sad loss to the council and to his councillor colleagues.

“John was a very experienced and dedicated councillor. He was widely respected and admired for his work and absolute integrity.

“He was personal friend.

“ One of his strong points was that he always had time for people and made friends easily.

“John was devoted to the people of Allerdale and, of course, the people of Workington.

“He’s going to be a great loss to the council and will be sorely missed by us all.

“Our deepest sympathies are extended to his family.”

Mr Heathcote is survived by his wife Angela, sons Stephen and John, daughter Caroline, son-in-law Mark, daughter-in-law Dawn, granddaughter Coral-Mia, grandson Joseph John and sister Joan.

Mr Davidson said: “We had political differences on some occasions, but as a man he was fine. He was a very confident councillor.

“He had some very defined ideas about the way things should be done. If he thought a ward member was being badly done to, he would fight for them.

“I had a lot of respect for him for his depth of experience.”

Alan Smith, Labour Group leader, said: “You always got a good talk with John. He was a very approachable and decent man. I think he will be missed by his constituents.”

Mr Heathcote will be cremated at Distington Hall Crematorium on Monday, September 8, at 2.45pm, following a service in St Michael’s Church at 2pm.

The funeral cortege will leave Mr Heathcote’s home at Moorfield Avenue at 1.45pm.

Family flowers only, donations if desired in lieu of flowers to the Air Ambulance c/o Tom Edgar Funeral Services, 01900 603388.