Tributes paid to popular North Devon councillor

Neil Denton passed away from cancer

Tributes have been paid to an extremely popular North Devon councillor who has passed away after a brave battle against cancer.

Fremington Independent councillor Neil Denton was described as a devoted family man who made a meaningful impact during his two years on the district council.

Leader of the Independent Group on North Devon Council Malcolm Prowse said: “Neil was liked and loved by everyone and always approached every situation with an enduring sense of humility.  

“He was extremely popular with both his fellow councillors and staff at the council and he will be sorely missed by colleagues.”

Cllr Denton was elected to North Devon Council in 2023 representing his home village of Fremington. His knowledge of the building trade and skills as a carpenter and lecturer and were soon invaluable.

“His expertise was immediately put to good use as a leading member of the joint building control committee (with Mid Devon Council) which oversees new developments across the area,” said Mr Prowse.

“Neil brought a broad experience to his council work from his earlier hands on careers in the world of business. He was also a valuable member of the planning committee where he brought open-mindedness and realism to so many thorny decisions.”

Mr Prowse said the councillor “touched the lives of so many young people in North Devon through his work in education and training”. 

“There have already been many former students who benefitted from his knowledge have paid tribute to his skills, guidance and the care he gave them.

“Those of us who worked closely with him will miss his advice and support, always given in that modest way.  I know I speak for all my colleagues when I express our heartfelt sadness at his being taken from us far too early.  

“Our love and condolences are with the family and the huge number of Neil’s friends at this sad time.”

Cllr Denton leaves behind his wife Carolyn, children Jess, Ruby, Noah and Luke, his parents Alan and Marion and sister Hannah.

Friend and colleague Frank Biederman, who also represents Fremington on North Devon and Devon County Councils, firstly as an Independent and now as a Liberal Democrat, said he had known Cllr Denton since school days: “Neil was one of those people who always stepped forward when he was needed.

“He was kind, cheeky, warm, funny and fiercely loyal.

“He gave so much to our community. Neil served on the Fremington community group committee, generously offering his excellent carpentry skills — including building the stage for our events — and using his health and safety expertise to produce risk assessments that allowed us to run safe, enjoyable community occasions.”

He said Cllr Denton was also a school governor at Instow Primary School, where he was instrumental in helping to build the early years classrooms. 

He passed on his skills as a tradesman as a lecturer at North Devon College and also served as a firefighter.

“In 2023, I was delighted when Neil agreed to put himself forward to become a Fremington parish and North Devon district councillor,” said Cllr Biederman. “Although his illness robbed him of the opportunity to fully immerse himself in the role, he still made an immediate and meaningful impact. 

“His knowledge was invaluable on the building control and planning committees, and even throughout his illness he remained engaged, keeping in touch and always asking how everyone was and whether all was well.

“Above all else, Neil was a wonderful and devoted dad. His family can be incredibly proud of the man he was and the difference he made. He touched so many lives and strengthened our community in countless ways.”

“My thoughts are with Carolyn, the children, and all of Neil’s family and friends — may they find comfort in knowing how deeply he was respected and loved.”

Scores of people have reacted to Cllr Biederman’s post on Facebook  describing Cllr Denton as “a man full of life and laughter” and “a true gentleman”.

One said: “He taught me carpentry in 2006/07 at North Devon College. He was a legend and took the time to stop and have a chat to find out what we were up to even so long after college.”

Another said: “Knew Neil through 1146 Squadron RAF Air Cadets in Barnstaple. A genuinely lovely, funny, caring chap who will be sadly missed.”