Tributes have been paid to former City & County of Swansea Councillor Geoff Burtonshaw, who has died following a long battle with illness.
Mr Burtonshaw served as a councillor on the City & County of Swansea twice, first in Penderry Electoral Division from 1997 to 1999 and then in Townhill Electoral Division from 2004 where he served until May 2008.
He was the husband of serving Labour Councillor June Burtonshaw, and son of a former Leader of Swansea City Council died on January 23. The funeral will take place at 12 midday on Monday, 6 February 2012 at Swansea Crematorium, Morriston. There will be no Church Service.
Mr Burtonshaw was Consort when June Burtonshaw Lord Mayor of the City & County of Swansea in 2001/02.
Friends and colleagues paid tribute to Mr Burtonshaw, who fellow Councillor Bob Lloyd described as someone who had a lifelong commitment to working on behalf of people in his community.
Cllr Lloyd said: “When people elected June, really they were electing two people because Geoff was so committed to her work and so involved in supporting her in her role in the community.
“My wife Val and I have been personal and political friends of June and Geoff since before we were married. June looked after Geoff selflessly and tirelessly in his final illness. ”
Mr Burtonshaw was born into a political family and his father, Trevor, was a Leader of the former Swansea City Council. After Geoff retired he took a degree in photography and fine art, a lifelong passion, at Swansea Metropolitan University.
Swansea Labour Leader, Cllr David Phillips, said: “This is sad news. Geoff was an industrious local councillor and a reliable and loyal member of the council group. Although not unsurprising given his long battle against serious illness, it still comes as a shock.
“His wife June (my deputy) and he were very close and she cared for him tirelessly over the past months. Our thoughts are with her at this difficult time.”
Chris Holley, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “On behalf of the Council I would like to express our deep condolences to June, her friends and her family.
“Many of us at the Council knew Geoff well through his role as a Councillor. His passion and commitment to serving people in Swansea communities was well known and he will be missed.”
