'Cheery' ex policeman and tramway worker Eddie remembered with lasting tribute

'Cheery and funny' tramway worker Eddie has been remembered with a lasting tribute.

A beloved husband, father and colleague, Eddie O’Hara, sadly passed away earlier this year. Now, the former policeman has been commemorated by his family, friends and colleagues with a plaque and portrait installed in his memory at Saltburn Tramway, a place that brought him much joy.

Eddie worked as part of Redcar and Cleveland Council’s Tramway Team in Saltburn since 2019, after his police service, and was loved both by staff members and the public. He used to design and sell the tramway badges at the top station on Marine Parade making many people happy with his cheerful and funny demeanour.

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To show their respect, love and appreciation for Eddie, his wife Fiona, together with his family, have commissioned a memorial plaque which was installed on a bench that sits opposite the tramway on Milton Street.

Those who were close to Eddie all attended the plaque reveal on Friday, November 2, in his memory. The staff, together with former colleagues, have also contributed towards a portrait of Eddie working at the tramway, which is now displayed in the lower station, so that he will always be seen and remembered by those entering the station. The portrait was presented to the family on the same day.

Eddie's wife, Fiona, said: "My family, friends and I would like to thank Saltburn Tram team, especially Trevor, the tram manager for arranging a memorial picture to be mounted in the tram lower station. Following his retirement from the police, Eddie was given the opportunity to continue working with the public which he was passionate about as part of the tram team.

"Eddie was proud not only to be able to promote the tram as a historical attraction but also Saltburn and surrounding areas as a beautiful place to visit especially to many people out of the area including international visitors."

She added: “We would like also thank Redcar and Cleveland Council for allowing us to put a plaque in his memory on a bench which faces the tram. This means so much to us."

Trevor Russell, the Saltburn Cliff Tramway teamlLeader, said: “Eddie was a brilliant person to work with. Ex-policeman, when he started working with us, he was such a funny person to be around.

"All staff got along with him brilliantly. Sadly, because of his illness, he passed away. I stayed in close contact with his family, and I was happy to be present when the plaque was revealed in his memory. He was just a brilliant guy, and we all miss him."

Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Culture, Cllr Carrie Richardson, said: “ It was an honour for us to allow Fiona and her family to have this plaque installed in Eddie’s memory. I cannot imagine the pain his loss had caused to his loved ones, and my thoughts are with his family. Eddie brought so much joy to his colleagues in the Saltburn Tramway Team and to our visitors and he will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of working with him. ”

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