Havant Borough Council paid tribute during a meeting of the Full Council, to former councillor, Ray Bolton, who recently passed away
Ray was first elected in 2002 as ward Councillor for St Faiths, a role he held in the borough until 2014. He also represented Emsworth and St Faiths at county level at Hampshire County Council from 2009 until he stepped down in 2021. During his time as a councillor he was fully committed to both roles and looking after his residents.
Ray was a member of a number of boards and committees including HR and Scrutiny, Chairman of Planning Committee and Chairman of the Environment and Community Committee, which he undertook with considerable attention and quiet dignity.
Ray grew up in Havant, working at IBM. It was when he retired, he took on the opportunity to become a councillor as well as becoming an active member of the local Residents Association and the Havant Conservative Association.
He worked hard and tenaciously on specific projects to preserve services in his ward and county division – the most notable recently was with his fellow ward Councillors Richard Kennett and Lulu Bowerman, to retain the library in Emsworth by moving it to the Community Centre, where it is now going from strength to strength – a great legacy to Ray.
Ward and County Councillor, Lulu Bowerman, Cabinet Lead for Commercial, said “Ray was a real gentleman and was liked by all who knew him. He was a councillor for many years and was well respected for his integrity.
“Ray was a solid, reliable, clear-thinking man who was always kind and thoughtful. He was an old-fashioned gentleman who encouraged me to stand as a ward and county councillor and I did indeed follow in his foot steps.
“Thank you Ray, for your legacy and example of a hard-working councillor. You will be much missed by everyone who knew you.”
“Our thoughts are with his wife Pat, and his family and friends at this very sad time."
The funeral will be held at 11.30am on Monday 13 March at The Oaks Havant Crematorium, Bartons Road, Havant, PO9 5NA