Owen Ware, who died last week

Tributes to former Upminster councillor Owen Ware who died, aged 89

Ian Weinfass, Senior reporter Wednesday, March 13, 2013
4:00 PM

Tributes have been paid to a former councillor and school governor who died last week.

Owen Ware, who represented Upminster ward on Havering Council for 16 years, passed away on Friday.

Mr Ware, 89, was first elected in 1990, and was made an honorary alderman of Havering after standing down in 2006.

The Barking-born former BT worker was also chairman of the Upminster and Cranham Residents’ Association for 10 years, and chairman of the governors of Gaynes School, Brackendale Gardens, Upminster.

Mr Ware, who had suffered from Parkinson’s disease, died during surgery.

Cllr Linda Hawthorn (Residents’ Association, Upminster) said: “He’ll be very sadly missed. I always found him very much a gentleman, always very polite and courteous to people.

“He was a reliable, very thoughtful man. The Residents’ Association was his life, really.

“He was my friend for 40 years and I will miss him.”

He is survived by his wife Marjorie, three children and several grandchildren.

A statement from Gaynes School said: “Owen always supported school events and was well-liked by his co-governors, staff and parents.

“The school is grateful for Owen’s many years of service and for the positive contribution he made to the school community.”

He served as a governor at the secondary school for 18 years, stepping down in 2006.

Cllr Ron Ower (Residents’ Association, Upminster) said: “I was his agent on each occasion he was elected.

“He led the association at a time when we were growing enormously. His heart and soul was in the area.”

The funeral is on Friday at 1.20pm at the South Essex Crematorium, Ockenden Road, family flowers only. Charitable donations can be made to Parkinson’s UK.