Runnymede Borough councillor described by as a truly wonderful pillar of the community has died

Independent councillor Malcolm Cressey represented the Ottershaw area on Runnymede Borough Council since being elected in 2018 until his death on September 30 2024.

His son Michael, himself elected on to the council in 2023, and his wife Lynette spoke of Malcolm’s natural warmth and the ease with which he connected with people – whether socially with friends on a golf course, with his grandchildren, or the residents he unwaveringly served.

The family said: “Malcolm was a pillar of our community, known for his natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

“His dedication to serving others was unwavering, and his influence reached far beyond his role as a councillor.

To his family, Malcolm was a constant source of inspiration, a loving husband to Lynette, always there for his son Michael, and a wonderful grandad to Carmen and Theo.

“His sense of humour, warm nature, and love for golf, even if he wasn’t the best at it, brought so much fun and joy to those around him.

“He spent many happy hours on the golf course with his friends, cherishing the camaraderie.

“Malcolm’s remarkable logic and problem-solving skills were something we all admired, and we often found ourselves amazed at how much he accomplished with such ease.

“He will be profoundly missed, not only by his family but by everyone whose lives he touched in the community.

“We kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time as we remember and celebrate the life of a truly wonderful man.”

During his six years as a Runnymede Borough Councillor, Malcolm served on six committees, including as vice chair of standards and audit/

A minute’s silence will be held at the start of the next Full Council meeting on 24 October in

memory of Cllr Cressey, and also Cllr Jonathan Wilson, another sitting councillor, who died in August. The Union flag outside the Civic Centre will also be flown at half mast on the day.

Cllr Carl Mann, Leader of the Ottershaw Independent Group of councillors, said: “It was a pleasure to have known and worked alongside Malcolm. He had a friendly personality, and was held in high regard by the community of Ottershaw and his fellow councillors. Everyone appreciated the time that they spent with Malcolm, and valued his help and advice.

“Malcolm was a great help to me when I joined Runnymede Borough Council in 2021 and has been ever since. I shall miss his ideas, his entertaining views when we talked through the goings on in committee meetings and his understanding of how the Council worked and how to get things done. I feel particularly strongly for his son Michael, knowing how pleased he was to serve on the council alongside his father. I’m sure everyone connected with the council sends their condolences and good thoughts to his family.”

In a statement, the four Co-Leaders of Runnymede Borough Council said: “Our respected colleague Malcolm could always be relied upon to make valuable contributions to any ongoing debate in the chamber.

“He took his role as councillor seriously, spending time to understand the issues facing the Council and diligently represented the people of Ottershaw.

“Our condolences go to his family and especially to his son and fellow councillor Michael.”

Runnymede Borough Council is to hold a minute’s silence at the start its next full council meeting on October 24 in memory of Cllr Cressey, and Cllr Jonathan Wilson who died in August.

It plans to fly the union flag outside its civic centre at half mast on the day.

The by-election to fill the seat held by Mr Wilson is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 10.