Tributes paid to 'gentleman' councillor who 'always had time for everyone'
Tributes have been paid to a well-known figure in Chelmsford and nicknamed as “Mr Stock”. Councillor Ian Grundy who represented the area on Chelmsford City Council and Essex County Council, sadly died yesterday, aged 85.
Councillor Grundy, who had lived in Stock for more than 24 years, had been receiving treatment for cancer when he died. He was first elected to Chelmsford Borough, now City Council, in 2003. He had served in the cabinet and been responsible for the Safer Communities portfolio.
This has included modernising Chelmsford's car parks, introducing park-and-ride facilities, and overseeing various capital projects, including the new civic reception. He also regularly attended parish council meetings in Stock and Margaretting.
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Councillor Roy Whitehead, leader of the Conservative group at Chelmsford City Council, paid tribute to his co-ward member of South Hanningfield Stock and Margaretting.
He said: “He was Mr Stock. He was involved in lots of things, such as the cricket club and the wine club, and his wife was heavily involved with the Stock Players at the village hall.
"People would go up there all the time and see him. He was a delightful man. He never got flustered.”
Councillor Grundy has represented the Stock division at Essex County Council since he was elected in 2011. He served as the cabinet member for highways from 2017 to 2018.
Paying tribute to Councillor Grundy, Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “We are sad to hear of the loss of our dear friend and fellow Councillor Ian Grundy. I have known Ian for many years, he was incredibly well liked, a kind and calm presence in the chamber. Ian was a great servant to his residents, and our condolences go out to his family and friends."
Chairman of Essex County Council, Jill Reeves, said: "Ian joined the County Council in 2011 and I got to know him very well. He was one of life’s gentlemen and a gentleman, and always had time for everyone. He will be missed by us all."
He leaves his wife, Shirlee, and two children, Dean and Louisa.