‘Headstrong, loyal and passionate’

LOVING tributes have been paid in memory of former council giant and local stalwart Maurice French.

During his life, Maurice had been a dedicated member of Morton Parish Council, as well as West Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire County Council.

He died of heart problems on 22nd October, aged 76-years-old.

Together with his wife Maureen, they raised two daughters, Michelle and Louise and had a son Shaun who died tragically four years ago.

He was also a loving grandfather to Adam, Hayley, Calum and Patrick and great-grandfather to Chloe and Joshua.

Despite his busy working and family life, Maurice was also a keen lover of sports - especially cricket.

Keen to give something back to the community, he joined Morton Parish Council and was its chairman from 1976 to 1993, and was also governor of the Grammar School. Not only that, but he was a member of West Lindsey District Council from 1979 - 2002, becoming chairman from 1987-88. Maurice also represented Gainsborough Rural North on the County Council for 20 years until he retired 2001, and was leader of the local Liberal Democrat Group. During that time, he was also renowned for the effort he put in as a director of ‘The Project for a University for Lincolnshire’ from 1993 until 2008.

“Maurice was always the dashing young-man-about-town, full of life and keen on sports,” said wife Maureen. “He could be head-strong, determined, even stubborn, as well as driven, loyal and old-fashioned.”

“He was born in Morton, and remained a true yellow-belly and Gainsborough through and through until the end.”

She continued: “Things always had to be just right - there were no half-mesaures and he was straight as a die. Maurice always spoke his mind - at the funeral the vicar even called him ‘Mr Always Right.’

Marueen added: “He loved his family and kids, and absolutely adored grandkids and great-grandchildren. They used to call him Pinocchio because he used to tell them such stories.”

“I’d like to thank all relatives and friends for their support, especially to all involved in the service and especially Bill Williams for his words of comfort and care.”

Friend David Lomas served on the County Council with Maurice for over 16 years, as well as WLDC.

“He was experienced and determined and if he thought that something was right or wrong then he wouldn’t let go of it,” said David.

“He was a great councillor and leader as well as a very pleasant and well-respected bloke.”

He added: “His absence from politics is noticeable because he added so much to the welfare of West Lindsey and Lincolnshire and he will be sorely missed.”