Former mayor dies (From Croydon Guardian)

Pat Hecks, former Croydon mayor and councillor, dies

5:00am Thursday 14th February 2013 in News

A former mayor and long-standing councillor has died.

Pat Hecks, who spent 16 years representing Croham ward on Croydon Council and chaired several committees, died on Saturday aged 78.

Former colleagues have paid tribute to the father-of-two, who was first elected to the council in 1982 and went on be mayor of Croydon in 1993/94.

Mr Hecks chaired the licensing and comsumer services, technical services and social services committees before retiring from council duties in 1998.

He also served as a governer for Croydon College and Purley Oaks School.

Former colleagues paid tribute to Mr Hecks, who leaves behind wife Gillian and daughters Sarah and Caroline,

Councillor Mike Fisher, leader of the council, said: “Pat was a well-respected councillor and former mayor, who was highly regarded within the council and by the communities he served.

“It was with sadness that we heard news of his death, and our thoughts are with his wife and two daughters.”