WILTSHIRE Council members and colleagues have expressed their sadness following the death of former Wiltshire Council cabinet member and councillor, Jerry Wickham, who died on 23rd July from prostate cancer.
The long-serving councillor represented the division of Ethandune which covers the areas of Coulston, Edington, Bratton, Hawkeridge and Dilton Marsh.
Wiltshire Council executive directors, Alistair Cunningham, Carlton Brand and Terence Herbert said, “We are deeply saddened that Jerry has passed away.
“Jerry had advanced prostate cancer but his illness did not define him, but what did was his integrity, values and his skill as a cabinet member. His knowledge of his brief and his ability to drive improvements in this council was second to none.
“He was respected as a councillor, cabinet member and more importantly a person, and will be terribly missed by all who knew him. He was particularly passionate about adult social care and one of his lasting legacies will be the transformed service that is supporting many people in the county.
“Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, and we’re in no doubt Jerry will want us to continue to raise awareness of this illness which robs so many people of their loved ones, so if anyone need any advice and support please visit https://prostatecanceruk.org/
“Our thoughts are with Jerry’s wife Suzanne, their sons and his friends at this very sad time.”
Philip Whitehead, leader of Wiltshire Council said, “Jerry was a close friend and a fantastic colleague for many years. As a councillor and cabinet member Jerry always put others before him and was wholeheartedly committed to his local community and Wiltshire. Jerry felt duty bound to serve the public and that was evident in a very distinguished career with the police before representing Wiltshire Council.
“The plan was for Jerry to be leader of the council and I his deputy, and I wish more than anything that’s what could have happened as he would have been a great leader.
“Our love and condolences go to Jerry’s family and friends and the thoughts of everyone at Wiltshire Council are with them. We shall miss him terribly.”
