Tribute to former Rother chairman Gwil Swift

Mr Swift worked as a vet in the Burwash area and was known for practising alternative therapies on the animals he treated, including acupuncture.

He was known as an art lover and had a collection of paintings.

He and his wife Margaret often attended the classical music concerts at Vinehall.

Cllr Prochak said: "His was a life to be celebrated and a life which will be missed so much. Gwil was a gentleman, a gentle man '“ courteous, kind, fair, cultured, liberal, generous.

''Certainly Gwil was not the obvious type for the rough and tumble of local politics.

"Yet he was overwhelmingly elected as Liberal Democrat District Councillor to serve Burwash in 1991 with one of the highest turnouts in the district, 60%. This was a truly resounding endorsement of him personally."

Gwilym Alfred Swift served his community on RDC until 1999, when he retired, but not before he was elected as chairman of the council serving from 1992 to 1993.

His chairmanship was in one of the most difficult times at Rother.

With the then government imposing stringent capping regimes, RDC had to make 30 officers redundant.

As a gesture of support, Gwil gave up any increase in his allowance and also gave up the official car. This was recorded through a picture by Dennis Wooten, a friend of the family, who depicted Gwil and his wife, resplendent in their chains of office sitting in a cart pulled along by a bicycle.

Gwil chose as his charity "Art in hospital".

The money he raised went towards the art works decorating the Conquest Hospital, providing interest, colour and moments of diversion for patients and staff.

Sue Prochak said: ''After retiring from Rother, Gwil never stopped working for the Liberal Democrats, becoming president of the constituency and helping with the continual fundraising.

"Only three weeks ago, Gwil was running one of the ubiquitous raffles at our local quiz, while Margaret toiled in the kitchen.

"Both Gwil and Margaret worked stolidly at every election and we remember with pleasure their wonderful lunches, held in their delightful garden, held as a thank you for supporters and workers.'

Sue Prochak ended her tribute by remembering how Gwil and Margaret made such a strong team.

"So for Margaret, and the family, we all hope you find comfort now and in the time to come, in celebrating and remembering the rich life of a dear person, who enriched our community, and us in his time here.'

Mr Swift leaves two sons, a daughter and grandchildren.