NEWS RELEASES
Death of a Council officer
8th December 2006
A SENIOR Council officer who devoted most of his working life to the Horsham District has died at the age of 56.
Bill Deakin, who was Head of Cabinet and Policy Development at Horsham District Council, died suddenly at work on Thursday (30 November 2006).
He leaves a wife and three children.
Bill worked for Horsham District Council for 30 years.
He started in 1976 and in recent years took on a senior corporate policy role. Bill played a major role in helping the Council to achieve its ‘excellent’ rating in the Audit Commission’s 2003 Comprehensive Performance Assessment. His job also meant that he worked with many Chief Executives and Council Leaders across West Sussex on the development of policies and joint initiatives.
Speaking about Bill, Cllr Bernard Baldwin, Chairman of Horsham District Council, said:
“For 30 years, Bill did a tremendous amount of work for the good of the Horsham District, indeed he devoted nearly of his adult life in doing this.
“On behalf of a generation of District residents, I would like to pay tribute to his immense contribution to District life.”
Tom Crowley, Chief Executive of Horsham District Council, said:
“Bill was one of our longest serving colleagues and was therefore known to many people in both a professional and personal capacity throughout the District and across West Sussex.
“He was very well liked and respected. His quiet, positive and professional manner along with his intelligence and solid advice will be missed deeply.
“We are all profoundly shocked by his untimely death and our sincere condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.”
The funeral will take place on Wednesday 20 December at Worthing Crematorium at 12.20 pm.
Worthing Crematorium is located on the north bound carriageway of the A24 close to the Findon Valley Roundabout.
Flowers can be sent to H.D. Tribe Ltd (Funeral Directors) at 63 Sea Lane, Rustington, West Sussex, BN16 2RQ
As an alternative to flowers donations can be made, in Bill’s name, to the British Heart Foundation through the Funeral Directors.
Ends
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk