Tributes have been paid to a district councillor of “true integrity” who has died.
Mr Rob Orchard was elected at a by-election in February 2018 for the Hartside ward, replacing his late wife Sheila who had passed away in November 2017.
During his time as a district councillor, he served on Eden District Council’s scrutiny co-ordinating board and its accounts and governance committee. He was also chair of the budget scrutiny panel which studied the local authority’s 2019/20 and 2020/21 budgets.
Mr Orchard died on 2nd October 2020 following an illness.
The thoughts of all those at the Council are with his two daughters, son, family and friends.
Councillor Virginia Taylor, Leader of Eden District Council, said: “I am so sorry to hear this news. Rob Orchard has been an active and effective councillor – he and I dealt with a number of issues together and it was a pleasure to work with him. It’s a real pity that his time as councillor has been so short. My heartfelt condolences to Rob and Sheila’s family and friends.”
Councillor Debra Wicks, Leader of the Conservative Group in Eden, said: “Rob will be sadly missed by all of us. He was a man of true integrity, understanding and kindness and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time. Rest in Peace Rob, we will miss you.”
