Conservative councillor Gabriel Batt, one of the Council’s longest serving councillors, has passed away at the age of 76.
Councillor Batt was the Conservative councillor for the Bathavon North ward, covering areas such as Lansdown and Bathford.
B&NES Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Tim Warren, has paid tribute to Cllr Batt, who passed away on Monday 31st March 2014.
Cllr Warren said: “Gabriel was a great man, a dedicated councillor, and an excellent representative for his community.
“Gabriel was always warm and friendly towards everyone he met and had a great sense of humour which could always lighten the room.
“His long service as a councillor and broad life experience meant he brought a wealth of knowledge to the Council which will be missed greatly, and he remained very engaged in local political issues even when he was unwell.
“He will be sorely missed by councillors from across the political divide, as well as I am sure the local residents he served so well for so many years. Obviously our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Fellow Bathavon North ward councillor Geoff Ward said: “From the time I was first elected three years ago, Gabriel was a great mentor as a councillor and a good friend.
“He was extremely hard working, well organised and would help anybody in need across the ward.
“I enjoyed the time we spent together, with his good humour and selflessness, and I and many others will miss him greatly.”
Councillor Batt was first elected to Bath and North East Somerset Council as ward member for Bathavon North in 2007, having previously also served as a councillor on the former Wansdyke District Council.
During his time on B&NES Council, Cllr Batt served on both the authority’s Licensing Committee and Pension Committee.
Prior to being elected as a Councillor, Gabriel served 22 years in the Royal Navy, where he served on ships including HMS Ark Royal, the Royal Yacht Britannia, HMS Penelope and HMS Glamorgan.
He was also a Director of Abbey Taxis, Managing Director at Bath Wine Merchants and Catering Manager for Harvey’s of Bristol & International Air Radio.
He is survived by his wife Angela, four daughters and four granddaughters.
