Respects paid to Harry from Barry (From Barry And District News)

Respects paid to Harry from Barry

THE FUNERAL of long-standing Barry Town Cllr Harry Clease was attended by hundreds of his family, friends and former colleagues last week.

On Thursday July 1, mourners lined Holton Road as they filed into St Mary's Church to pay their last respects to a man praised for his commitment to the town's political scene.

Known lovingly as 'Harry from Barry', Cllr Clease represented the Castleland Ward until he retired in June 2004.

The 78-year-old passed away on Thursday, June 24, leaving behind his wife Betty, a son, Jeffrey and daughter, Gillian and three grandchildren.

He was a former mayor, and a champion for the poor who started the first Credit Union in the town in 1986.

Long-time friend and Barry Town Council colleague Cllr Richard Bertin paid a special tribute. He said: "Harry was a very kind and caring man. He was a good man, a tremendous politician and a dedicated socialist who worked hard to make people's lives better."

Barry and District News assistant editor Sue Vincent-Jones also attended the service. She said: "Harry was a gentleman, and an easy person to get along with. I will miss his contributions to the newspaper."

Acting executive officer for the Barry Town Council, Cliff Lewis said: "Harry will be sadly missed by all members, staff and the electorate who voted him in.

"Even when he was retired, he gave his time to the council behind the scenes. He leaves a gaping hole within the council. All our thoughts are with Harry's family."

Barry Town's Mayor, June German recalled that Harry was a strong member of the council and Vale MP John Smith added: "He was one of the most energetic and enthusiastic individuals I ever met in local politics. Harry was truly a one-off character and will be sorely missed."

During the ceremony, there were readings by Harry's niece Brenda Webster and his son Jeffrey read out the poem He's Only Gone On.

Instead of flowers, Betty asked for donations to be sent to the Llandough Hospital Stroke Unit.