Wokingham’s member of parliament has led tributes to a former Wokingham borough councillor who passed away last weekend.
Gary Cowan represented Arborfield for more than 27 years before standing down at last year’s local government elections. Most recently he was an independent, but was previously a Conservative.
Speaking to Wokingham Today in March 2024 when announcing his decision to stand down as a councillor, he said: ““With my beloved Katie, wife of 57 years, passing away two years ago, a recent kidney removal together with ongoing chemo for prostate cancer have all meant that I am able to walk the ward no longer.
“It led me to the inevitable recognition that it’s time to pass the baton on to others.”
Clive Jones, member of parliament for Wokingham, said: “I was very sad to get the news this week that Gary had passed away.
“He was always a very diligent councillor for his community in Arborfield, and worked very hard to represent them at Wokingham Borough Council.
“He was elected as a Conservative councillor in 1997, and then became an independent councillor in 2017.
“He fought and won two elections as an Independent, and I was very pleased to be able to help and support him on both occasions.
“In 2022 the Conservatives lost their majority on the council.
“Gary supported me to be the leader of the council, and we worked very well together for the next 11 months.
“Although we had some differences of opinion from time to time, we remained friends and he was very pleased when I was elected to parliament last year.
“I had a cup of tea with him just a few weeks ago when we were able to talk about his political career in Wokingham, and I was able to update him on my work in Parliament, in particular my work on getting the Royal Berkshire hospital (RBH) rebuilt.
“Gary was looked after by excellent staff at the RBH, and he told me he owed them a lot.
“He was what a local councillor should be, immersed in their local community and working hard for the residents.
“He’ll be missed by many people in Arborfield .
“My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Stephen Conway, leader of Wokingham borough council, said: “I’m very sad to hear of Gary’s death.
“I got on with him very well over many years, first as political opponents, then allies, and latterly as colleagues on the planning committee.
“Despite our political differences, I counted him as a friend.
“He fought very hard for his beloved Arborfield and I admired his tenacity and determination, even when I disagreed with his arguments.
“One of his causes in recent years was the need for an overhaul of the council constitution. That work is now nearly complete.
“It’s a shame he is not here to see what he called for progress to fruition.”
Charles Margetts, speaking on behalf of the Conservative group at Wokingham borough council, said: “Gary was a champion of Arborfield residents, and an opponent of the Hall Farm development.
“He will be a loss to the community, and will be closely remembered by friends and colleagues.”
Rachel Burgess, leader of the Labour group at Wokingham borough council, said: ““We were very sorry to hear the news of Gary Cowan’s passing.
“Gary was a passionate champion for the residents of Arborfield for an impressive 27 years, even to the extent of leaving the Conservative group so he could stand as an independent councillor to continue working for residents.
“On behalf of Wokingham Labour, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Gary’s family at this time.”
Gary was in regular contact with Wokingham Today to highlight issues facing residents in Arborfield, and beyond.
Andy Preston, editor of Wokingham Today, said: “We are extremely saddened to hear the news of Gary’s passing.
“Our thoughts are with his family and his friends.”
