Tributes paid to former mayor and “passionate advocate for the people of our community” Cllr Dennis Teasdale
Tributes have been paid to a much-loved former mayor and serving councillor who has died this week.
Councillor Dennis Teasdale served as Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland from 2018 to 2019 and had previously been Town Mayor of Guisborough on two occasions.
The highly dedicated public servant had worked in local government for many years before being elected as a councillor to Guisborough Town Council in 2011 and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council for the Guisborough ward in 2015.
Jacob Young MP for Redcar said that - "Dennis was a great person to know and a fantastic Councillor and advocate for Redcar & Cleveland. My heart goes out to his family and his wife Honor at this incredibly difficult time. May he rest in peace."
MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland said - "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Councillor Dennis Teasdale and my thoughts are with his family and friends. Dennis was an instantly likable man whose dedication to public service, both as a ward councillor and as a town councillor for #Guisborough, will not be forgotten. As a dedicated servant of local government Dennis never ceased in championing causes for his local community. Most recently I know how proud Dennis was to secure National Lottery funding to save Guisborough Town Hall. I know how hard Dennis worked to help achieve that goal and how delighted he was to be able to give something back to his community. Dennis had a remarkable gift of genuine friendliness that crossed party boundaries. He was a friend to everybody he met and was always motivated by the purest instinct to do whatever he could to help his community. He will be sorely missed."
Redcar & Cleveland Council Group leader Cllr Phillip Thompson said - "It was with heavy heart that Conservative Group members received the news that Councillor Dennis Teasdale had passed away. Dennis Teasdale was a firm friend and colleague with whom it was a great pleasure to work. His service and dedication to Redcar & Cleveland Council was clear for all to acknowledge. As Chair of the Growth, Enterprise and Environment Scrutiny & Improvement Committee and so recently elected to the additional post of Vice Chair of Children's Services Scrutiny and Improvement Committee, Dennis was willing to take on responsibilities well in excess of a normal serving councillor. All who worked with Dennis found a patient and understanding servant of the community, willing to listen but with strong views on matters of principle and social justice. He shall be missed across the political spectrum and amongst council officers with whom he worked for many years, first as a council employee himself and then latterly over many years as a representative of Guisborough Ward. Many Tributes will undoubtedly be paid at the Full Council meeting on Thursday, 27 August. Our thoughts and prayers are with Honor and all the family members at this very sad time.”
Rest In Peace, Dennis.
