30 06 08

 

The Maldon District Council, with much sadness, announces the passing of one of its most respected former councillors, Mr Edmund Anthony (Tony) Peel.

 

A Member of this authority during its inception in 1973, he was regarded as one of its most outstanding advocates during his time as a District Councillor,  a skill he brought to his public life from his profession as a successful solicitor where he specialised in planning.

 

A man of immense intellect and charm it came as no surprise when he was elected as Chairman of the Essex County Council in 2002.

 

He served three terms for the District Council, from 1973 to 1983.  He was Chairman of the Housing Services Committee and the Finance sub Committee, also Vice Chairman of the Policy & Resources committee.   Tony Peel was elected to the County Council in 1981. Continuing his commitment locally he was also Chairman of the Tolleshunt D’Arcy Parish Council for many years.

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When he left the Maldon District Council in 1983 to concentrate on his Essex County Council role, his wife Mrs Julia Peel was elected as councillor to represent his Tolleshunt D’Arcy Ward.

 

He came to Essex aged 3 months and therefore considered himself an Essex man throughout his life. Tony Peel’s father was Sir Jonathan Peel the Chief Constable of Essex in 1933 and the youngest ever to attain that post. Able to trace his family tree back to the great Sir Robert Peel (Prime Minister 1834 & 1841) he certainly had the pedigree of a politician. To amplify this, his father in law Lister Bass and his two brothers in law (Rodney and Henry) were also District Councillors.

 

His strong will and sense of duty was recently emphasised when, although very ill and in a wheelchair, he gave his daughter Verity away on her wedding day in Tolleshunt D’Arcy on the 14^th June 2008.

 

His dedication, along with his exemplary manners and skill in representing his electorate for many years, remains as an example for those who now follow him in local government.

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Tony Peel married, in 1964, Julia Bass, who survives him with their son Richard, daughter Verity and three grandchildren.

 

The Maldon District Council Members and Officers wish to convey their sincere sympathy and condolences to Mrs Julia Peel and family.