It is my sad duty to mention the tragic loss of Margaret Thompson. She was mayor of North East Lincolnshire in 2006, and passed away after a short illness in hospital surrounded by loved ones. She was 77.
Tributes from colleagues and friends were made in the hours following her passing.
Son, Brian Thompson (52) said on behalf of the family: “She was a wonderful mum. She did so much for the area, and will be sorely missed by so many people.”
Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council Councillor Andrew De Freitas said: “I knew Margaret for 44 years, after I joined the Liberal Democrats. At the time she was a treasurer for the Grimsby branch of the party.
“Among her many achievements, she was the longest surviving special constable – being in the role for 35 years.
“She also was a Councillor for the Park ward with myself and Councillor Daniel Khan.
“Margaret also spent many years in the scouting movement, and raised a lot of money for causes including Cancer Research. Her service to the community was second to none.
“As a person, Margaret, quite frankly, was a rock. You could always rely on her.”
The current Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Colin Eastwell said: “It was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of Margaret. She was a valued colleague as a councillor with a dry sense of humour, and gave a lifetime’s commitment to the community and people.”
She leaves behind her son Brian, and daughter Joy, as well as three grandchildren: Vickie, James and Richard