A FORMER mayor of Basingstoke and a long-serving councillor for South Ham has died.

Gerald Traynor, known to many as Gerry, was Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane from 2003 to 2004. He was first elected to the borough council to represent South Ham in 1988 and served as a councillor for 24 years before retiring in 2012.

During his time at the council he was chairman of the health and housing committee, resources committee, land and property sub-committee and the licensing committee. he also served on the environmental services committee and had been on the planning committee as vice chairman.

Gerry lived in the borough from 1947 where he married his late wife Janet and the couple had three children Sharon, Christine and Andrew. He was also grandfather to Katie, Ashley, Liam, Charlotte and Ciarán and great grandfather to Callum, Anabelle, Freddie, Felicity and Ruby.

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He worked for Sainsbury’s in stock control and was heavily involved in trade union activities. He was a governor at Bishop Challoner School and a member of the Victim Support Committee and also a magistrate for 15 years.

Paying tribute to Gerry on behalf of his family, daughter Sharon Miles said: “Our dad was one of the kindest, nicest people that you could meet. He always had time for everyone and would help those in need. He was a fantastic father and memories of his stories about his childhood always stay in our minds. He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren unequivocally and we will always remember him getting down on the floor to play games. He will be greatly missed by all of the family. May his soul rest in peace.”

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Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Onnalee Cubitt said: “It is with great sadness that we heard the news about Gerry. He served this council and his South Ham ward passionately for 24 years, during which he held key roles on many committees. He enjoyed his time representing the borough as Mayor alongside his late wife Janet. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. He was a big character with a great sense of humour who was hugely proud of his Irish heritage. He will be much missed.”

The flag at the Civic Offices in Basingstoke will be lowered to half-mast in honour of Gerald on the day of his funeral, which is yet to be announced.

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