Tributes paid to Runnymede stalwart, friend, and mentor who served community for quarter-of-a-century

John Furey was a stalwart of Runnymede having served the community of Addlestone for a quarter of a century, first as a borough councillor and then later as a county member as well.

Mr Furey was first elected on to Runnymede in 2000 with colleagues describing him as someone who gave “endless time to the community”. He would go on to hold the role as leader of the borough between 2006 and 2011 as well as deputy leader of Surrey County Council in 2017 -18.

Councillor Marissa Heath, who worked alongside Mr Furey at both borough and county level said: “I joined Runnymede Borough Council in 2003 and John Furey was there already.

“What I saw over 20 years was a man who gave endless time to the community.

“Everyday he was in the council or meeting residents and that included the weekends, it was his life and he did not do it for praise or reward, he did it because he was all about service to the community.

“He didn’t back down on issues, fought hard for his residents and was very clear in his views and values so you knew where you stood with him.”

Surrey County Council described Mr Furey as someone with a no-nonsense approach as a dedicated and forthright public servant who worked tirelessly for the benefit of residents.

He remained committed to his duties, colleagues, friends, family and residents despite enduring serious health challenges.

A spokesperson for the county said: “John will be fondly remembered for his direct approach to getting things done for his residents and the County and Borough Councils.

“His loss will be felt deeply by the community. Our thoughts go out to John’s family at this difficult time.”

MP Ben Spencer said that John was one of the first councillors he met after being elected.

He said: “In all roles he served residents with dedication, always prepared to champion the causes he believed in and speak plainly no matter his audience. He will be sorely missed.

Surrey County Council leader Tim Oliver, said: “John was a very active councillor who loved his area and town and will be sorely missed.

Cllr Peter Snow, leader of the Conservative Group in Runnymede, said: “The news that John Furey has died was difficult for many of us to comprehend.

“John was an Addlestone Councillor for some twenty years and to the Runnymede Conservatives it appeared he would go on indefinitely.

“In reality we all knew he was having difficulty with his health, but he never let that get in the way of his responsibilities to Addlestone, Runnymede or Surrey.

“He will be missed by many and will remain one of stalwart councillors when we look back at the history of Runnymede Borough Council.

“As the leader of the Runnymede Conservatives and the Council, John only knew one way to lead and that was from the front

“Rest in peace my friend and mentor.”