The former leader of South Gloucestershire Council, John Calway, has died.
Alderman John Calway, from Longwell Green, passed away on Wednesday. He had been suffering from cancer.
He had represented Longwell Green for the Conservatives and stepped down as leader in 2014 after leading the council since 2007. He was made an hoonrary alderman in 2015 in recognition of his eminent service.
He had previously represented Longwell Green on Kingswood District Council and Kingswood Borough Council, and also served on Avon County Council.
Toby Savage, the current leader of South Gloucestershire Council, told The Week In: “John was a towering giant of South Gloucestershire and West of England politics and he leaves a lasting legacy from his decades of distinguished public service.
“His values of responsibility, hard work and family were apparent throughout his life, including in his political career, and he inspired many along the way – myself included.
“I was proud to call John a friend, colleague and mentor and honoured to follow in his footsteps as Councillor for Longwell Green, Conservative Group and Council Leader.
“Such was his immense impact, there will be countless people whose thoughts will be with John’s family at this incredibly sad time. They should know that his achievements will never be forgotten.”
‘A man of the people’
Aldermen John and Heather Goddard, who used to represent Hanham on South Gloucestershire Council, said: “John has been a great friend and colleague for 50 years He taught us all we know about politics and was an inspiration to us.
“He was a man of the people and well loved and respected by his constituents in Longwell Green. We were very proud to serve as Cabinet members under his great leadership on South Gloucestershire Council and learnt a lot from him. May he rest in peace.”
John Calway’s funeral will be held on Wednesday 24th August at 3.30pm at Westerleigh Crematorium.
