We are saddened to share the news that Cllr John Furey died this morning (Tuesday 10th June).
John was first elected to Runnymede Borough Council in 2000 and served as Leader of the Council from 2006-2011. An Addlestone councillor, he was also well known for running Bella Fiori florist in Station Road, and was liked and respected by his residents, as well as a force in local politics fighting for the community.
John was elected to Surrey County Council in 2009, serving at borough and county thereafter. He held various roles at County, including Deputy Leader in 2017-18 and was a Cabinet Member from 2012-18 for a range of portfolios, including Environment, Transport, Highways and Flooding. He also was active in several committees, including chairing the Adult Social Care Select Committee and the Runnymede Local Committee.
Paying tribute, Runnymede & Weybridge Conservatives Chairman Colin McFarlane said: "When I first got involved with Party John was my mentor in the background. We had a wonderful working relationship. John and I used to sit opposite each other and were able to communicate with just eye contact. I and all in the Association will miss him greatly."
Dr Ben Spencer MP for Runnymede & Weybridge added: "John Furey was one of the first councillors I met with upon my election, raising a range of issues affecting his ward. In all roles he served residents with dedication, always prepared to champion to the causes he believed in and speak plainly no matter his audience. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time."
Cllr Peter Snow, Leader of the Conservative group at Runnymede Council said John was "our longest running councillor and a formidable former leader". He added: "John will be missed beyond measure and will always be remembered for his contribution to Addlestone, Runnymede and the people in the borough he served."
Cllr Tim Hall, on behalf of Surrey County Council, said: "Bravely enduring serious health challenges, John was a committed and formidable public servant who was always forthright and totally committed to a better Surrey right up to the end. John will be remembered for his direct, no-nonsense approach to getting things done for his residents and the County and Borough Councils. He will be much missed."
We send our deepest sympathies and condolences to John’s family, friends and all who knew him.