TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Henley town councillor who died on Sunday following a long illness.

Bill Gibson, who served the council for two terms from 2003 to 2011, passed away at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading.

A minute’s silence for him was observed at a meeting of the council on Tuesday.

Mr Gibson, who lived in Vicarage Road, Henley, leaves his widow Ruth, brother John, daughters Natascha and Tanya and grandsons Michael, Johnny and Charlie.

On graduating from Sandhurst, Mr Gibson joined the Royal Marines. He was selected for the Special Air Service, during which time he received the Military Cross.

In 1965 he retired from the army, becoming an accountant. He continued to commute to London after moving to Henley in 1969.

Mr Gibson served on the council as a member of Henley Residents’ Group.Mayor Elizabeth Hodgkin said: “Bill was the most wonderful wordsmith — he could really write a piece and make it interesting.

“He had a lovely turn of phrase and would write poetry.

“I have this image of Bill in his wheelchair whizzing across Market Place towards the Argyll.

“He was good company and always jolly. Ever since he became a councillor he has been in pain. It went on and on for him but he was always so stoic. He was a very nice man and a good councillor and attended as many meetings as he could.” Councillor Jeni Wood said: “He will be sorely missed — his humour was unique.

“I am particularly sorry that he spent his last years in such pain but it was pain bravely borne and he still came to every council meeting until he had to retire.

“We shall miss his knowledge of all things historical appertaining to Henley.

“Bill was very strict about protecting conservation areas when he was chairman of planning.”

Councillor Ian Reissmann said: “He was different in lots of ways — you never quite knew where his odd sense of humour might take you.

“He lightened many a meeting but on a serious side he cared deeply about Henley and no one would ever doubt his commitment.

“No one cared more about the little details.”

Town clerk Mike Kennedy said: “Bill replaced Alan Follett as chairman of the planning committee for the last two years of his service. He was dedicated to Henley and the history of Henley.

“He would fight tooth and nail to preserve the historic buildings in the town, which he spoke of with great passion and great knowledge.

“I can recall on one occasion him bringing a photo montage of the inside of a building and speaking eloquently of its history and how it was important that Henley preserves its buildings.”

A green humanitarian funeral will be held on Wednesday (October 24) at the Fair Mile cemetery chapel at 2pm. All are welcome.

An obituary will be published in next week’s Standard.

* A minute’s silence was also observed at a meeting of Henley Town Council for Captain Nic Rutherford, another former councillor, who died last month. He served as honorary secretary and later chairman of the Henley Society. Capt Rutherford died on September 5, aged 86.

An obituary will be published in next week’s Standard.

Published 19/10/12