By Martin Walker
Tributes have been paid to local councillor Terry Hogan who passed away recently.
Mr Hogan, a passionate independent, passed away on Friday February 3 – his funeral service was held at St Clare’s Church in the town yesterday (Monday).
Founder of the Great Aycliffe Independents, the former Labour Party member and father-of-five was respected by fellow independents and his political opponents.
He served on Great Aycliffe Town Council for more than 17 years, representing the Shafto and St Mary’s ward at the time of his death.
A former deputy leader, he was also chairman of the personnel and environmental committees.
Labour councillor John Clare told Aycliffe Today: “Terry and I entered politics about the same time, when we both decided we’d had enough of the Tories and it was time to get them out.
“I worked closely with him over the years and succeeded him as chair of the environment committee, and we often agreed on a lot of things and also disagreed!
“Terry was always cheerful, enthusiastic and supportive, right through to the last time I saw him.
“He will be greatly missed, and I extend my sympathy to his family at this sad time.”
Speaking on behalf of the Independents, Councillor Alan Warburton added: “He was a gentleman in all respects and taught newcomers to the council a great deal.
“He stood for honesty, integrity and putting the town first.”
A former RAF serviceman, Mr Hogan worked in the haulage industry in the Midlands before he moved to Newton Aycliffe where he lived with his wife, Sheila. He is described as a dedicated family man and devoted grandfather.
During his political career Cllr Hogan also served on Durham County Council and the now defunct Sedgefield Borough Council, and was chairman of the National Association of Direct Labour Organisations.
Town council leader Bob Fleming said: “I learned a lot from Terry and I believe I’m a better person for knowing him and Aycliffe is a better town for having lived here.”