Tributes paid to former Rugby Lib Dem Councillor Chris Holman who sadly passed away on 26 July 2016

Rugby Liberal Democrats pay tribute to Chris Holman who sadly passed away on 26 July 2016 after a long battle with illness. Chris represented the old Caldecott Ward from 1994 to 2010. He was a hard working local Councillor and as Election Agent and Secretary of Rugby Lib Dems he helped the local party to grow.

Chris was elected as ward councillor for the former Caldecott Ward (comprising Rokeby and Hillside) in 1994, becoming well known and respected throughout the area, and retired due to ill health in 2010.

Often sporting his distinctive bow tie, he continued to canvass, deliver newsletters and work as Secretary of the Rugby Liberal Democrat Group for as long as he was able.

Warwickshire Liberal Democrats group leader Councillor Jerry Roodhouse said:

"Chris was a life-long Liberal and this could be seen at first hand as a hard working local Councillor for Caldecott.

"His Liberal beliefs led to local and national campaigns to open up the planning system for Fairtrade along with Mayday Trust and the Liberal Democrat Disability Forum, and his close eye for detail as Election Agent helped the Liberal Democrats grow in Rugby.

"We had many good times together. Chris was a true campaigner out in the wet, cold and sun and well respected by all that worked with him.

"Chris and Maggie (his late wife) are now together. They were good friends and both will be sadly missed by all who knew them."

Councillor Bill Lewis added:

"It was the respect and high esteem that residents felt for Chris that have made it easier for those of us following in his footsteps to also be successful as ward councillors.

"The Liberal Democrat Group in Rugby will miss Chris's sensible and thoughtful input to our discussions and his expert advice when we have problems to resolve.

"Residents still remember Chris, perhaps as the councillor who got their particular problem resolved or who spoke up for them in a sensitive situation."

Chris's funeral will be held on Friday (August 12) at 1pm at the Avon Room, Rainsbrook Crematorium, Ashlawn Road. Chris's family have asked those attending to wear colour, with a bow tie being optional.

Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of flowers to The British Heart Foundation, British Lung Foundation and the Mayday Trust can be made on the day of the funeral or sent to Wilf Smith & Son, 25 Main Street, Rugby, CV22 7NQ.

http://rugbyobserver.co.uk/news/tributes-paid-former-rugby-councillor-chris-holman/