Tributes paid to former vice chair of Cannock Chase Council after sudden death

Fred Prestwood died just days before his civic year was due to end and the news of his death was announced by chairman Steve Thornley at Wednesday’s (May 21) annual council meeting.

Fellow councillors spoke movingly of their former colleague and friend, who had worked in the mining industry and as a postman, and observed two minutes’ silence as a mark of respect. The 67-year-old grandfather was first elected to Cannock Chase Council in 2023 to represent Cannock East and became a Hednesford Green Heath ward member the following year.

He was chair of the Health, Wellbeing and Community Scrutiny Committee and served on the district council alongside wife Jacquie, who is a cabinet member. She did not attend Wednesday’s meeting, but fellow councillors said their thoughts were with her and the rest of the Prestwood family.

Councillor Thornley, looking back on his year in office alongside the late Councillor Prestwood, highlighted his “overwhelming sense of duty”. He added: “His death has come as a great shock to all of us who knew him and Fred will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”

Councillor Sue Thornley said: “He was many things – he was a proud ex-miner, district councillor, a loyal friend, loving granddad and devoted to Jacquie. He worked hard underground and carried the same sense of duty within his public service.

“He also knew how to enjoy the good things. He loved golf, walking, spending time with friends and the fresh air and taking it all in.

“The love he gave was constant and unconditional. He didn’t shout about his values, but through his actions he made a difference.”

Council leader Tony Johnson, who knew him for more than 50 years, said: “He was a colliery official – a good one at that. He was a newsagent for a while and a postman, he was my friend and I’m going to miss him.

“We went to school together and had a similar career path. His was a life well lived, but a life cut far too short.

“He was such a vibrant man, a man to admire, and he was considerate. He made a difference to the world and the world will be a worse place without him.”

Tributes also came from councillors across the political divide. Conservative opposition group leader Olivia Lyons said: “My heart goes out to his friends and family.

“He always had the local community at heart and he spoke with such pride. He was a true gentleman and I think his kind spirit will continue to echo through this organisation and through his friends and family.”

Green Group leader Andrea Muckley said: “We would like to express our deepest heartfelt regard to his family and friends. It takes a lot to put yourself forward as a local councillor and we need to say thank you to Fred for the hard work he put in for his community.”