‘RESPECTED’ and ‘committed’ former mayor of Taunton and Wellington Bob Bowrah has passed away.

Cllr Bowrah, a BEM, lost his battle with cancer and sadly died on Saturday, March 30.

He was a serving member of Taunton Deane Borough Council, as well as Wellington Town Council.

He was also chairman of Wellington Town Council between 2004 and 2006, Mayor of Wellington in 2016 and Mayor of Taunton Deane in 2009.

As well as numerous community roles, he chaired Wellington Town Council’s emergency planning committee and the Taunton Deane planning committee, as well as being a member of Tenants Services Management Board, which represents Taunton council house residents.

He was a passionate member of the Basins Volunteer Group, Metro Champion and Monument Champion for Wellington and Armed Forces Member Champion for Taunton Deane and was also the Deane representative on the Board of Directors of Taunton Bowling Club.

Mr Bowrah was married for 50 years to Elizabeth, who was originally from Taunton, and the couple have three grown-up children; Joanne, Nick and Andrew.

He served in the Army for 27 years and was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1980.

Wellington town councillors held a minute’s silence for Bob at their meeting on Monday. Other elected members spoke fondly of Cllr Bowrah, who worked for the benefit of the town, even if their politics didn’t align with his.

Current mayor of Wellington, Cllr Gary James, paid tribute to Bob during the emotional meeting, and other councillors have also voiced their condolences.

He said: “Bob was not only a colleague but a good friend. A very diligent and caring man who loved Wellington and would always promote the town and its people.

“I will miss his company, advice and humour.”

Cllr John Williams, leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council, said: “Bob was respected across the political spectrum for his dedication to public life and his commitment to helping others. He gave many years of unfaltering service to the people of Wellington and Taunton often going beyond the call of duty for the betterment of the community.

“Bob was an exemplary councillor and a good friend who I will miss greatly. We must also pay tribute to his long and esteemed military service, so making him a committed and active Armed Forces Champion, doing what he loved, helping those less fortunate.”

Deputy leader of TDBC, Mark Edwards, tweeted how Bob had worked ‘tirelessly’ for his community.

Bob’s son, Andrew, also paid tribute to his devoted dad.

“An amazing individual that put many before himself and worked so hard to ensure we all have a better community today,” he said.

“Dad’s work will be remembered by so many people.”