Church packed as town bids farewell to ex-mayor

Alderman Wilson, who died last week aged 87, was mayor in 2005/06 and served on the council for more than 20 years after first being elected to represent St Annes’ Ashton ward in 1984.

He was deputy mayor in 1991/92 and was appointed an honorary alderman in 2007.

He and wife Hilda, also a former Fylde councillor, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last year and had three sons, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mayor Coun Christine Akeroyd and deputy mayor Coun Angela Jacques led a substantial contingent of Fylde Council representatives at the Requiem Mass conducted by Canon Peter Hart which preceded a private burial.

Fylde Council leader Coun Sue Fazackerley said: “Honorary Alderman Ron Wilson was a man who commanded respect across the political spectrum. Ron was just and fair, working tirelessly for the good of his electorate in Ashton ward and was a shining example of the best in local government, acting always in the true spirit of those who serve their community in the role of local councillor.

“After retiring from the council and becoming an honorary alderman, and even when his health was declining, together with Hilda, his attendance was guaranteed at all the council functions to which aldermen are invited.

“He was a gentle man and a gentleman and will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege to know him.”

Alderman Wilson, who represented the Ratepayers’ Association on the council, hailed from Staffordshire and served in the RAF for two years before becoming an officer of HM Customs and Excise.

He moved to Fylde in the 1970s and son Andrew, who lives in Ansdell, said: “He loved this area and really prided himself on being apolitical and looking after the interests of the people he represented.”

A founder of Our Lady junior football club in St Annes, he was also a life member of the town’s cricket club.