A FORMER chairman of Bromsgrove District Council has passed away following a short illness.

David Hancox served as a councillor for the ward of Rubery and Uffdown for 25 years, and as chairman in 2002 and 2003. He stood down at the last election due to ill health, and passed away on Sunday, May 3

Mr Hancox was born in Rubery, and had been married to his wife Jean, who was also a district councillor, for 62 years, having recently celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

He acted on a number of committees during his time on the council, as well as sitting on the Crime Prevention Panel and on the board of governors for Holywell School in Rubery for 10 years.

Away from the council he was a chairman of the QE Hospital for a time, as well as a health and safety officer for Abbeyfield House in Rubery, and he spent 40 years working for the Rubery Old Folks’ Entertainment Fund.

Mr Hancox spent 50 years of his working life at the Longbridge Motor Company, but even in his retirement he was keen to learn, and he returned to education, studying for an A Level in History at NEW College.

Councillor Margaret Sherrey worked with Mr Hancox on Bromsgrove District Council.

She said: “He’ll be sorely missed. He was a gentleman amongst us. He was always a very very affable person, always a gentleman and very well liked. Nothing was too much trouble for him.

“I think he’ll be remembered for the work he did on the ground with his constituents I think that goes for most councillors but it certainly does for David.”

Mr Hancox leaves his widow Jean, as well as his son, two grandchildren and a great grandson. His funeral will be taking place on Wednesday, May 20 at the Redditch Crematorium at 11.45am for those who knew him and wish to attend.