A COUNCILLOR who represented Wollaton residents for nearly two years died in hospital at the weekend.
Steve Parton, 64, who was councillor for Wollaton West, suffered a stroke and collapsed on Wednesday afternoon while out campaigning for his wife, Jeanna, who was standing in the Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey by-election.
Mr Parton was elected in May 2011 and had lived in the area for more than 60 years.
He was out campaigning on behalf of the Conservative party after Councillor Stuart Fox resigned his seat.
Councillor Georgina Culley, leader of the Conservative group of Nottingham City Council, said: "I feel I have lost a close and dear friend whom I have known for a number years and will find his loss extremely difficult to come to terms with.
"I think he should be remembered as someone who always cared for others.
"He always supported others. He was very much involved in the local community.
"He always tried to do the best and help those who needed help. Everyone in the community was aware he would do his best for them."
Councillor Culley added: "He took to being a local councillor like a duck to water and he always saw the funny side of things – I was grateful for his support."
"My and my fellow Conservative councillors' thoughts are with his wife and the family at this difficult time."
Many residents will remember Mr Parton after he campaigned against plans for a housing development on the allotments at Radford Bridge Road.
He was also a keen golfer and fisherman and was on the committee at the Wollaton Park Golf Club for several years.
Professor Alan Watson, gentlemen's captain of the club, said: "He was a great, loyal supporter of the club and was very keen to support the club in any way.
"He was on the committee for eight or nine years.
"He was very dedicated and quite humorous.
"I think he will be remembered as one of those larger than life characters."
Professor Watson added: "His humour and witty presence will be sorely missed."
Mr Parton was educated at Nottingham Boys High School – where he later became a member of the board of governors – before going to Loughborough University of Technology and Aston University.
Kevin Fear, headmaster at Nottingham High School, said: "All of us are very sorry to hear of the death of Steve Parton.
"He had recently become a governor, having been a pupil here between 1956 and 1966. Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this time."
Nottingham City Council Leader Jon Collins said: "I was saddened to hear the news that Councillor Parton had passed away. While we differed politically, I always found him to be approachable and willing to listen to other people's views.
"My sympathies and condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues at this sad time."
Councillor Graham Chapman, deputy Leader of the Council, said: "He had a great deal of experience. He was a decent bloke, his judgement will be missed."
