In memory of Councillor Mr Frank Letch MBE, a minute’s silence will take place.
Minutes:
The following tributes were made in Remembrance of Councillor Frank Letch MBE:
Cllr Luke Taylor
The first thing Frank would have done at a time like this, would have been to remind the speaker that they only had 3 minutes and for the next speaker to be lined up ready, “Some people have to get back to Crediton, don’t you know”. Well we are sorry Frank, we cannot guarantee just 3 minutes for you tonight. I speak on behalf of all the Liberal Democrat Group this evening to remember a truly remarkable man, Councillor, and a friend to many.
In the 2015 election Frank and I were elected to this Council for the first time, it was a bittersweet result after a big blow to our Liberal Democrat colleagues across the country in the aftermath of the coalition but we were both eager to get started.
We attended many of the induction sessions together and I remember Frank always being the centre of attention - he spoke to everyone with warmth and was always welcoming - though sometimes he would add a bit of Welsh in there too. He never seemed fazed.
Frank was a loyal servant to the people of Crediton, serving many, many years consecutively as Mayor. Crediton meant so much to him. He would often tell us of the history of the Church and that the steeple was just a centimetre short for a Cathedral and that they must have measured it wrong as they did not want Devon to have 3 cities. Perhaps now is the time to re-measure that steeple to be sure.
Frank served Crediton as a Town, District and County Councillor serving Crediton diligently and respectfully and I know he was absolutely thrilled when his wife Natalia joined him on this Council.
Frank served on several committees during his 10 years on this Council, notably as Scrutiny Chair and of course the last two years as our dear Chairman. He absolutely loved the pomp and ceremony of the role and the chance to showcase and represent all the good in our communities. Natalia shared a reel on Facebook last week of them both walking down Exeter High Street in a procession - you could tell by his face how much it meant to him. He represented the Council well at all times and respected the position and trust that was given to him. He never took it for granted.
Frank was a champion to many, and none more so than young people. He introduced the Young Carers of Devon charity to this Council and I know he was thrilled when we introduced free leisure access to our young carers in Mid Devon. He was a hero in his own right, being born without arms, he never let it get the better of him and we were genuinely amazed what he still managed to do, driving, eating or signing his name away with his feet to hold the pen. He embodied the very best of the human spirit to overcome his challenges and to selflessly use his experience and inspiration to better enrich the lives of other people. He was rightly awarded an MBE for his charitable work in standing up for and helping others.
Frank was a popular Member of this Council amongst both Members and officers past and current and he never let his adversities get the better of him. Even when he knew his time was nearing the end, he still insisted on carrying out his duties as Chair of the Council. A role he loved.
At his Civic Service in Tiverton, he was advised to take it easy and had originally planned not to attend, but we all knew that was never going to happen and whilst the procession was too much he was still there and was proud as punch when his young granddaughter gave an excellent reading. You could easily see how much the role meant to him but also how much his family did too. He often spoke fondly of them at any chance he could.
Frank was a friend to all and will be sorely missed by all who met him. This Council will be a quieter place without him here. I share my sincere condolences to his family and loving wife Natalia, and want you to know that your Liberal Democrat and wider Council family are here for you and will help you in any way they could.
Frank would never be forgotten, he has touched too many lives and will live long in everyone’s memories.
I will end with a small comment sent to me by Cllr Fish in advance of tonight’s meeting which I think sums up Frank brilliantly: “For those of us new to the Council, Frank was a fantastic role model. He always began with an insightful or amusing insight that served to add a lighter note to the proceedings. He was kind and witty, and always so full of knowledge. He was always professional and courteous, even to those who disagreed with him. His politics were fair and straightforward, about doing things sensible and efficiently. He was a brilliant Chairman to Mid Devon and he will be very much missed, especially his incredible ability to sign documents with his feet, his legend would live on’.
Cllr Gill Westcott
I remember at Cheriton Bishop Parish Council when Frank became their County Councillor, from the very beginning he made an enormous impression not least because of his complete naturalness, his lack of self-pity and the way he had done everything he did without the need for fingers.
Frank held surgeries which no District or County Council had done before in the village, he made himself available, even if they were held in a bus shelter, so that people could come and speak with him.
As we have seen he imparted serious consideration to the issues being discussed and a light touch of humour and he was very much appreciated in a way we had not expected and were delighted with the care he gave to his constituents.
He was an inspiring person in many dimensions and we are so sorry that he is not here with us, the impression he has made will last for a very long time with those that have known him in his time. He has left us with much to cherish and to appreciate. I know I will be speaking about him to people in years to come. Thank you Frank for all your gifts.
Mrs Polly Colthorpe
Frank has been well known ever since he first came to Crediton, At QE Crediton Lower School, he regularly took part in the assembly programme, giving young pupils an insight into how it was living and coping with his physical problems. Members of my Group including me, maintained long standing friendships with Frank, you could discuss anything with Frank because he was interested in everything and everybody. He could ignore the political differences and we supported each other whenever necessary. As a keen gardener, Frank tried to support local gardeners in the Crediton area.
Frank really was all about returning, with interest, as much as he could to the community that he lived in. A remarkable man but because of his amazing success in dealing with and managing his physical difficulties he was a truly extraordinary human being. He will be missed very much, not only here amongst us but all those living in this part of Devon.
Cllr Gordon Czapiewski
Frank will be remembered for many things, such as his wit, his resilience, his humanity and his ability to focus, in particular through the example he set to others. He demonstrated to me the art of leading a group by judicious intervention rather than an expectation of leadership.
Those in attendance observed a minute silence in memory of Councillor Frank Letch MBE.
Books of Condolence had been opened in reception and online for those who wished to leave messages in due course.