WARM tributes have been paid to a "devoted family man" and popular councillor who "always put the needs of others first before his own".
Cllr Brian Blakeley, a Rhyl Town councillor and Denbighshire County Councillor, died aged 82 on October 28 following a five day stay in hospital; the former postman had collasped at home.
Cllr Blakeley took up the position of town councillor in 1999. He was devoted to Rhyl and his ward, Tynewydd.
He was a Denbighshire County councillor from 2003, which included a term as Denbighshire County Council chairman in 2014/15, and he served as Rhyl town mayor in 2006/2007.
Before moving into politics, cllr Blakeley worked as a postman.
He was "born and bred" on the Wirral and lived in Hoylake before moving to Rhyl in 1993.
He was married to Evelyn for 37 years [the couple had been together for 40 years]. He was a proud father to Michelle, Claire and John and had eight grandchildren; Rebecca, Seren, Sophia, Rosie, Caitlin, Lucy, Beth and Philip.
He was also a great-grandad to Kyron, aged two.
Daughter Michelle, who was elected a town councilor for Rhyl Trellewelyn ward in 2021, said: "Dad had a genuine love for Rhyl and its people and would always dedicate his time to attend various community events, meetings, and campaigns. His infectious enthusiasm and commitment to help improve the lives of the people of Rhyl earned him countless admirers across all walks of life.
"Dad was a devoted family man who always put the needs of others first before his own.
"He loved all to with helping his community and would put his heart and soul into anything he did for others."
Cllr Blakeley also served as the Homelessness Champion in Rhyl and was a member of Denbighshire's Communities Scrutiny and Planning committee.
"He would help many to be rehoused and fight their cause in all he could do. He would never leave a stone unturned," Michelle said.
"He was a very hard working and devoted councillor.
"There will be no other like him as he put his heart and soul into his work."
Outside of politics, cllr Blakeley had a particular fondness of animals.
Michelle said: "He owned a number of rescue dogs over the years, mainly greyhounds, as well as several cats, birds and fish. He also had a keen interest in sport, technology, and liked to keep fit and active by walking regularly."
Michelle was elected as a county councillor for Denbighshire in May 2022.
Cllr Blakeley was incredibly proud to see Michelle follow in his footsteps.
"We would often work together on the Rhyl local wards by campaigning and resolving day to day issues in the local community," Michelle said.
"Dad was a true inspiration and worked hard for all he believed."
Cllr Blakeley left school at 16. He secured a job making chocolate at a Cadbury factory in Moreton.
Son John said: "Dad always said he couldn't eat his tea because the powder used absorbed in his skin and he was never hungry."
Cllr Blakeley left Cadbury and got a job as a bus conductor at Crosville bus depot, West Kirby. He was there for a few years before a job came up at the Post Office as a postman.
He spent more than 25 years in the job until a crash in a van outside the Crosville depot where he hurt his neck.
John said: "I was with him, and we had to walk home seven miles because I shouldn't have been with him. I spent most mornings getting up at 5am to meet him at 5.45am to help with his round."
Prior to his death, cllr Blakeley had attended a full council meeting.
Gareth Nickels, town clerk, said: "Brian emboidied everything a good councillor should be. He backed the town's people and called out inequality and unfairness whenever he found it, championed good projects and always tried his best for his ward and the people who elected him. A man of integrity, fellow councillors and staff have not just lost a colleague but also a good friend.
"A family man through and through, Brian was proud to see his daughter Michelle also elected to the town council. "Away from council work, Brian loved animals. Over the years he had many rescue dogs, with particular a fondness for greyhounds.
"We will feel his loss keenly, but the greatest loss is to his family, and our thoughts are with his wife Evelyn, to whom he was devoted, Michelle, and the rest of his family and friends."
Cllr Arwel Roberts, Chairman of Denbighshire County Council, said: “He was very much a champion of his local community and was vocal in his work to improve the quality of life for residents in his ward and in the wider Rhyl and Denbighshire communities. He was often seen out and about volunteering at major events or community activities and that was typical of Brian’s style. He loved to get stuck in and work with and on behalf of his community.
“For Brian, it was more than being a councillor, it was a way of life. He selflessly dedicated his time, passion and energy to make a real difference, both at county level and at Rhyl Town Council.
“He will be missed by all his colleagues and friends within the council and I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his family at this very difficult time”.
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