Daughter leads tribute to former car salesman who devoted life to helping others
Tributes have been paid to a long-serving borough councillor who was dedicated to serving rural communities across Staffordshire. Andrew Harp, who was a member of Stafford Borough Council for 20 years before he stepped down last year, died at his home near Milwich on Wednesday, October 9, aged 81.
His daughter Sarah Hudson said he had always wanted to be a councillor before he was first elected to the authority to represent Fulford in 2003. She added that she would remember her father, who was a devoted grandfather to her two sons, for his kindness.
She said: "Family was extremely important to him and being a councillor was something he was passionate about. He wanted the the best for people and to make sure they got what they were entitled to and deserved.."
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Mr Harp originally came from Blurton, before moving to Stone where he ran a car sales business. He was married to wife Gill, who was a teacher at St Dominic's Priory School in Stone, for 55 years and was a keen gardener alongside his community work.
After representing Fulford on the borough council the Conservative member became a ward councillor for the Milwich area alongside Councillor Frances Beatty, who he encouraged to stand for election in 2007. The pair also worked together at the Country, Land and Business Association, which provides support and a voice for rural businesses and landowners, representing members in Staffordshire and beyond.
Councillor Beatty said: "He was a countryman, understood rural issues and he was well versed in planning. He was a ferocious defender of his local community and a dedicated Milwich ward councillor.
"He got an increased majority every election from the time he first started on the council. He had a complete understanding of the farming industry and he pretty much knew every farmer in the county."
During his time on the borough council Mr Harp's work included chairing the planning committee. On Tuesday (October 15), current members of the planning committee observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect at the start of their meeting after being informed of his death.
Mr Harp's funeral will take place at 12pm on November 15 at St Mary's Church in Stafford and attendees are encouraged to wear bright cheerful colours, which he was known for wearing. All enquiries to Central Co-op Funeral at Stone Road, Stafford, on 01785 244869.