Tributes flood in for popular North Devon councillor and devoted family man

Tributes have poured in following the death of well-known and well-liked Fremington councillor Neil Denton, who had dedicated his life to his family and the community.

Neil passed away at North Devon Hospice on Thursday, January 8 following a brave battle with a brain tumour and leaves behind his wife Carolyn and their children Jess, Ruby Noah and Luke.

He was elected to Fremington Parish Council and North Devon Council in 2023 but had served his community in many ways for most of his life.

Above: Neil Denton was involved in a wide range of community activities in and around Fremington. Credit: Frank Biederman 

As a tradesman and carpenter he passed on his skills at North Devon College, was a governor at Instow Primary School and also served as a fire fighter as well as on the Fremington Community Group Committee.

Councillor Malcolm Prowse, leader of the independent group on North Devon Council, said: “It is with deep sadness that we heard the very sad news that Neil passed away peacefully at North Devon Hospice.

“Neil was liked and loved by everyone and always approached every situation with an enduring sense of humility. He was extremely popular with both his fellow councillors and staff at the council and he will be sorely missed by colleagues.

“Our hearts go out to Neil’s family and friends, who we are thinking of at this time.”

Neil’s good friend and fellow councillor Frank Biederman said Neil was ‘one of those people who always stepped forward when he was needed’.

He added: “Neil and his sister Hannah have been part of our community their whole lives and I have known them both since our school days. Neil was kind, cheeky, warm, funny and fiercely loyal.

“I was delighted when Neil agreed to put himself forward to become a Fremington parish and North Devon district councillor. Although his illness robbed him of the opportunity to fully immerse himself in the role, he still made an immediate and meaningful impact.

“His knowledge was invaluable on the building control and planning committees, and even throughout his illness he remained engaged, keeping in touch and always asking how everyone was and whether all was well.

“Above all else, Neil was a wonderful and devoted dad. His family can be incredibly proud of the man he was and the difference he made. He touched so many lives and strengthened our community in countless ways.”

Above: Neil Denton, left, pictured with his friend and fellow Fremington councillor Frank Biederman on the campaign trail. Credit: Frank Biederman

Neil’s family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time, but were willing to share a post on his Facebook page: “Many know that Neil had been battling cancer. He fought a brave fight but sadly it was bigger than anything he had ever faced before.

“We want to thank you for the love and support you have shown Neil in this last year, it has meant so much to him and us as a family.

“You have all enriched his life, sharing so many happy (and sad) times and I know he would not have done anything any differently.”

As yet, no funeral details have been released.

Above: Neil Denton was also a school governor at Instow Primary School. Pictured here with Instow district councillor Becky Coombs and fellow Fremington councillor Frank Biederman.

READ NEXT: Two North Devon car dealerships are facing the threat of closure