Flags at half-mast as tributes paid to former Ilfracombe mayor Kit Leck

Tributes have been paid to former Ilfracombe mayor Kit Leck, who died on Sunday, November 1, as flags fly at half-mast to commemorate his passing, Ilfracombe Town Council said.

Councillor Leck represented the Ilfracombe community for eight years and served as mayor in 2021. The council said he was known for his dedication and tireless efforts to improve the town, and that outside of this he also supported his community through the Lions Club.

It said he made a valued contribution to the community during his time in public service and will be remembered by many. He will be sadly missed by all at Ilfracombe Town Council, it said, and its thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all who knew him.

Mayor Mark Fay said: “I liked Kit and enjoyed a beer with him on many occasions, usually in the Yacht Club. Apart from being a great Councillor and Mayor, his true passions were golf and baking which he excelled at.”

Deputy Mayor June Williams said: “What a pleasure it was to work with Kit both as a councillor and a fellow Lion, and i was pleased to class him as a friend. Kit was a font of knowledge who was always willing to guide his fellow councillors and i know how much a honour he felt it was when he was elected as our Mayor. He was a true ambassador of Ilfracombe and our thought and sympathy go out to jane and his family at this difficult time.”

Councillor Bert Gear said: “Must admit I didn’t always see eye to eye with Kit, but did respect his decisions, and we could always could enjoy a drink together and forget about our differences. My condolences to his family, he will be missed.”

Councillor Dan Turton said: “Kit was a good man, worked with him on One Ilfracombe and always enjoyed our Mayor and deputy Mayor catch ups in the pub.”

Councillor Terry Elliott said: “I found Cllr Leck to be someone who always wanted to ensure a fair and thorough discussion. He always wanted to hear both sides as Mayor/Chair and actively sought people’s opinions. He was very knowledgeable and a great stickler for detail and ensuring proper process. These skills are so important for proper accountable government. He was also a very nice man. Please send my sympathies to his wife and family.”

Alderman Fowler said: “As well as being a very sociable guy he had 4 great loves, first and foremost, his family who he and Jane met as regularly as possible.

“His long association with Manchester City FC.

“His love of golf which he played for many years and became Captain of Ilfracombe GC a few years ago and lastly, his great passion for cooking/baking. The latter took many forms, had many strange mixtures of ingredients but always tasted great!”

He continued: “He was always in demand as a playing partner as half way around a game of golf he would produce either a pasty or piece of cake for his companions to munch on. These invariably had unusual flavours but were always delicious.

“Lastly becoming Ilfracombe’s Mayor was a real highlight for him as his father had been a very well-respected Councillor and had held a similar role in the Midlands. Both had a great love for the community they lived in. Kit will be sorely missed by so many of us that he met through the various organizations which he either was part of or supported throughout the Town.”

A message from the family said: “The family would like to express their sincere thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts and messages of support during this very sad time. Their kindness and condolences have been greatly appreciated.”

Further details on funeral arrangements are available through Braddicks and Sherborne Funeral Directors.