Councillors Shocked By Unexpected Death of Patrick Sheard, Member for Send

Published on: 5 Jun, 2020
Updated on: 7 Jun, 2020

Cllr Patrick Sheard

Patrick Sheard, a borough councillor for Send, has died. He was 74.

Although it was known he was unwell, his death was unexpected and has shocked GBC colleagues across the political spectrum.

He was elected to the borough council as a member of the Guildford Greenbelt Group in May 2019 and last attended a council meeting, held online, in early May.

His ward councillor and party colleague Susan Parker said: “It’s a huge shock and I’m still trying to process this. His poor wife.

“Patrick had been involved with GGG and campaigning to protect Guildford’s countryside for many years, including as a member of CPRE.

“He was passionate about the local history society and the environment, particularly in his local area. He will be greatly missed by his GGG colleagues. He was a stalwart campaigner and a great friend.

Cllr Patrick Sheard (right) in August 2019 opposing an application for 75 houses in Send.

“He lived with his wife, Christina, in Send Marsh for 20 years, and before that lived in Ripley since 1992. Patrick was a devoted family man and had great joy in his grandchildren; he loved talking about taking them to play football.”

Cllr Joss Bigmore commented: “It is really sad news. He was a very nice man, good company.”

Cllr Sheard had been retired for some years and was known to be very involved within the community in Send.

He started his working life with a degree in control engineering, worked on aircraft design and development and then on specialist one-off systems for clients including the Army, MoD, BT and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Cllr Parker continued: “Patrick threw himself into everything he undertook, and he was enthusiastic and efficient. He was always kind, and his gentle wry humour was appreciated by everyone. We will all miss him.

“We don’t yet know the details of the proposed funeral or memorial arrangements but these will be announced in due course. We are proposing to set up a virtual book of condolences for people to share reminiscences about him and will provide the link when this is set up.”

A tribute page for Patrick Sheard has been set up on the Guildford Greenbelt Group website. If anyone wants to add anything, they are asked to send it to: ggg@guildfordgreenbeltgroup.co.uk and those managing the site will post it, in due course.

Responses to Councillors Shocked By Unexpected Death of Patrick Sheard, Member for Send

Maddy Redpath Reply

June 5, 2020 at 4:12 pm

Patrick was always so cheerful and would always have something to say that would bring an instant smile to your face.

I often sat next to him in committee meetings and he would give me a wink or a nudge when he was about to ask a cheeky question about the topic we were discussing. He would never shy away from asking difficult or uncomfortable questions, which proved to be a fantastic quality of a newly elected councillor.

Guildford has lost a truly excellent councillor and he will be sorely missed by all. My thoughts are with his family, friends and GGG colleagues at this difficult time.

Maddy Redpath is a R4GV borough councillor for Holy Trinity
Paul Spooner Reply

June 6, 2020 at 11:21 am

Patrick made a very positive contribution to the council and will be a loss to his local community in Send and the wider borough.

I thoroughly enjoyed discussing Overview & Scrutiny Committee issues (and sometimes wider topics) with him. He was a great listener with wit and common sense. Along with many others, I will miss him.

Condolences to his family at this very difficult time. He clearly was a great family man.

Paul Spooner is a Conservative borough councillor for Ash South & Tongham
John Rigg Reply

June 6, 2020 at 2:09 pm

Always cheerful, always friendly and a great sense of fun. The council chamber will not be the same without Patrick. His enthusiastic approach to council matters was appreciated by everyone who met him. A real loss to colleagues in the Greenbelt Group and l believe to us all at Millmead.

Sincere condolences to his family and many friends.

John Rigg is a R4GV borough councillor for Holy Trinity
Angela Gunning Reply

June 6, 2020 at 4:12 pm

May I join my fellow councillors in expressing my sorrow on learning of Patrick’s death. His humour enlivened meetings, together with thoughtful and perceptive contributions. I will miss him, and I send my condolences to his wife and family.

Angela Gunning is a Labour borough councillor for Stoke.
Ruth Brothwell Reply

June 6, 2020 at 5:09 pm

The shock is still palpable amongst all who knew Patrick and enjoyed his company and good humour. His concerns for Send were huge and as a councillor residing in Send, although not representing them, I often worked with him and Susan Parker on local issues. We sat next to each other to complain about some Local Plans and travelled to Millmead together.

We have lost a valuable councillor and a good friend, a lovely man, a great human being. Our thoughts and prayers go to all his family at this time.

Ruth Brothwell is a R4GV borough councillor for Worplesdon
Angela & David Goodwin Reply

June 7, 2020 at 3:43 pm

It is very sad to lose a fellow councillor. For those of you who didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Patrick, the comments left by others sum up his character, a gentleman who cared for his residents and community with a wicked sense of humour.

Our thoughts are with Patrick’s family and friends.

Angela Goodwin is a Lib Dem borough councillor for Friary & St Nicolas
David Goodwin is a Lib Dem borough councillor for Onslow