Tributes paid to long-serving former East Sussex County Council chief

Tributes have been paid to former East Sussex County Council chief executive Robin Beechey, who died aged 83 on March 17 following a prolonged illness.

Mr Beechey had served as the council’s chief executive between 1973 and 1994, overseeing major changes to the way the council operates as part of the 1974 local government review.

Becky Shaw, East Sussex County Council chief executive, said: “Robin took over as chief executive in 1973 at a relatively young age and held that post for over 20 years.

“He guided the council through a period of enormous change, including significant boundary changes and the transfer of powers to the county council from former county boroughs in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings.

“He was a strong and determined character, who always strived to deliver the best for the county council and for East Sussex as a whole.

“We were very sorry to hear of his passing and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Tributes were also paid by Lib Dem county councillor David Tutt, who was first elected during Robin’s tenure as council chief executive.

Cllr Tutt said: “Robin was responsible for the whole of East Sussex including Brighton and Hove during his time as Chief Executive, there were 84 County Councillors at that time.

“He was clearly a very intelligent individual and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

According to an obituary published by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Robin was born in Hastings on August 22, 1936. He grew up in Battle and later read law at Exeter College, Oxford.

After graduating, he began a long career in local government,  working with East Suffolk and Hampshire County Councils.

He was only 36 when he became East Sussex County Council’s chief executive.

During his tenure, he oversaw the local changes included in the 1974 local government review.

This saw the county boroughs of Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings abolished, the county council taking over many of their duties.

At the same time Burgess Hill, East Grinstead and Haywards Heath became part of West Sussex.

After leaving the council, Robin and his family moved to America in 2000. He became a US citizen in 2005, settling in the city of Sandy Springs in Georgia, which is where he passed away last month.

He is survived by Ann Crichton, his wife of more than 30 years, as well as his sons James and Nicholas, stepchildren George and Catherine, daughter-in-law Saskia Sissons and grandchildren: Mia, John, Drew, Elizabeth and Griffin.

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