TRIBUTES have been paid to a loyal servant of Ellesmere Port who died last week.

Honorary Alderman Peter Shephard died on Sunday, April 7 at the Countess of Chester Hospital, aged 79.

Born in Liverpool, Peter served his time as an apprentice painter and decorator, studying at Byrom Street College.

He did his National Service in the Royal Navy, rising to Lance Corporal in the Royal Marine Commandos, proud of his Green Beret, and was stationed in Norway and Malta.

He and his wife Barbara and son Tony moved to Toronto, Canada in 1957, where their daughter Sylvia was born.

While residing in Canada, Peter became a very influential member of the Tobacco Workers Union.

The family returned to England in 1971, and went to live in Great Sutton, and Peter formed his own painting and decorating business. Peter was a lifelong socialist, and joined the Local Constituency Labour Party, becoming vice- president.

He was elected to Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council in 1987, and for 22 years was a hard working councillor for the Rivacre Ward.

In 2000-2001, he was mayor of Ellesmere Port and created the highly acclaimed Junior Citizens project for Year 6 primary pupils.

In 2011, he travelled to Ellesmere Port’s twin town, Reutlingen in Germany with then mayor Angela Claydon.

Friend and fellow Labour councillor Justin Madders said: “He was a tireless campaigner on health issues and served on The Community Health Council.

“Since his retirement from the council in 2009, he has devoted himself to the Sea Cadets at TS Forward, and was chairman of the Friends of Reutlingen group, which he helped to create to further the ongoing links with Ellesmere Port’s twin town in Germany.”

His support for young people continued in his roles as Governor for both Parklands and Gorsthills primary schools.

Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Andrew Miller added: “Peter was a man for whom I had the utmost respect.

“His kindness to others and commitment to the society in which he lived should be an example to us all. My heart goes out to Barbara and his family – we have all lost a great friend.”

Cheshire West and Chester Councillor Angela Claydon paid tribute to him. “Peter was my fellow councillor in the Rivacre ward on Ellesmere Port and Neston Council and would go to any lengths to serve the people who elected him, and especially the young people.

“He was a dedicated councillor, and a great mayor. He was also my close friend for over 30 years. I will miss him so much.”

St Paul’s councillor Ben Powell said: “Peter was one of the people who taught me a huge amount when I first became involved in local politics in the area and he was a good friend. He did a huge amount for people in the area, particuarly young people and I’ll really miss him.”

He is survived by his wife Barbara, son Tony, daughter Sylvia, daughter-in-law Jackie and grandchildren Peter, Stacy and Tobey and great grandchild Bethany.

The funeral will take place at Blacon Crematorium at 10am on Tuesday.

The family have requested no flowers, but donations may be made to Macmillan Cancer Support.