Richard Cooke

Richard Cooke respected former local councillor and Labour stalwart, passed
away on Friday (6th April) at the age of 70.

Richard was a local councillor on High Peak Borough Council from 1974 until
1999 most of that time representing the Gamesley Ward. Housing was one of
Richards's key interests and he was a member of the housing committee for
all his time on the council and was vice chair of the committee from 1991 to
1992 and 1993 to 1994 and chair from 1992 to 1993.

As well as the formal council duties Richard was involved in wide range of
work and activities supporting various groups in Gamesley and beyond.
Richard also spent a number of years representing the council on the
Tameside Local Transport Group highlighting the concerns of local residents
across Glossopdale on transport issues.

Richard was also a keen trade unionist and was an active shop steward in
what is now Unite whilst working at Granada. He was also involved
politically in the union an activity he carried on in retirement from work
with him continuing to represent the union as a delegate to the High Peak
Constituency Labour Party.

In 1999, I had the privilege of been elected to High Peak Borough Council to
represent the Gamesley Ward, taking over from Richard, who was (along with
others) a great source of inspiration, information and assistance in taking
on and learning the ropes of the role of local councillor, and Richard's
assistance and willingness to answer any of the many questions I had is
something I will always be grateful for.

Richard was a lifelong Manchester City fan, and was often seen going to or
from the new city ground at Eastland's.

Richard was a highly respected and dedicated local councillor, as well as a
well liked, friend and family man who leave's behind his wife Winnie, and
family and I am sure he will be hugely missed.

A funeral service will take place on Tuesday 14th April at 11.00am at St
Charles Church in Hadfield, followed by a private family burial. This will
be followed by a reception at Stalybridge Labour Club starting at 1.00pm.