Tribute to the late Eddie Martin, Councillor

Eddie Martin. Neighbour, friend and fellow parish councillor

Eddie and Jeanette first came to Crosby after retirement and for a quieter way of life. They settled in the Old School House Crosby and as a neighbour and builder, I was tasked to make it their ideal home. Internal alterations, and as a keen gardener, to enhance the pride he took in his garden, decking, water feature, sauna in the outbuilding (this was well before outside spaces became a thing) were in put in place. We spent many years as a neighbour and family friend, where he gave support and friendship to all our family

On recalling his work on Rutland Council, it was no surprise that he took on the role as Leader of Cumbria County Council. His diligent input and commitment was much appreciated by his colleagues and the general public.

After retiring from this post and still finding himself wanting to put his vast political experience to some use, he applied to be a parish councillor. He was very passionate and strong willed about his views and became vice chairman, and after a few years of giving a lot of time and effort to the community decided to leave, and take a slower pace, due to ill health.

Through retirement of fellow councillors, Eddie decided to give it another go where his vast knowledge of government bodies and procedures meant he could help immensely in getting to the right person to get things done.

The most recent issue he was trying to resolve, lead to him taking it all the way to parliament.

Eddie as a friend, colleague and councillor was always there to help, nothing was ever too much trouble for him.

He will be sadly missed.

Our thoughts are with Jeanette and his family.

Peter Courtier, Chair of Crosscanonby Parish Council