Tributes to Donington, Quadring and Gosberton councillor who chaired South Holland District Council

Tributes have been paid to the “real gentleman” Robert Clark, South Holland District Council’s respected chairman from 2013-2015.

Conservative Coun Clark, who represented Donington, Quadring and Gosberton, died last week after a long battle with illness.

Council leader Coun Gary Porter said: “It’s a real shame that Robert has passed away, he was a real gentleman and a great asset to the council and the community we serve.

“Even though he was suffering from a very serious illness he remained cheerful and upbeat in a way that was a great example to us all.”

Current council chairman Coun Rodney Grocock said: “Councillor Robert Clark was not only a very good district councillor, he was a well respected ward councillor and was happy to be of service to his constituents.

“I like to think of Robert as my friend. When I was elected to district council he was one of the first councillors to congratulate me and over the years we served together our friendship got stronger and I will miss him.

“Robert was never flustered – he got things done very quietly but efficiently. He was always smiling and he had a mischievous quality and everybody loved Robert. He was also a very gentle man and I could go on and on giving him praise but I also have to remember his partner Sue.

“My wife Christine and I are very saddened over Robert’s death and will pray for Sue and their family.”

Coun Grocock said Robert’s term as council chairman was cut short due to his ill health, but he and Sue made many friends and admirably promoted South Holland during Robert’s term of office.

Donington Parish Council held a minute’s silence for Coun Clark on Thursday.

Fellow district ward councillor Jane King said: “He would help anyone one out. He was brilliant, really, one of the good guys.

“He was always one of those that was very quietly getting on with the job.”