Tributes paid to former Bridport Town Clerk Bob Gillis
Bob Gillis who was Bridport's Town Clerk has died aged 61 after a long illness
Bob Gillis, Bridport's Town Clerk for eleven years, has passed away peacefully aged 61, after a long struggle with cancer.
Bob served as Town Clerk from 2007 to 2018, part of a long career in local government. During his time in Bridport he oversaw a significant expansion in the Town Council's operation as it took on services from the district and county councils, and a major refurbishment of Bridport Town Hall.
Former Council Leader Cllr Sarah Williams said: "I was terribly sad to hear the news of Bob's passing. He was a modest man and reluctant to take credit for his achievements, but make no mistake, his was a huge contribution to the town. I cannot express how valuable his support to me was, during my time as Leader, and my thoughts today are with his wife Fiona and children Ellie and Rory."
Town Mayor Cllr Ian Bark also paid tribute, saying, "I was a parish councillor when Bob was Town Clerk, but came to know him well, particularly through his work on the Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan - a lasting legacy for the town. He made many friends among councillors, colleagues and residents, all of whom are devastated to hear of his passing."
Current Town Council Leader Dave Rickard said: "Bob was the model professional as Town Clerk. He was a supportive and steadying influence as the Town Council developed its increasingly ambitious projects such as Community Justice Panels, the developing Rights Respecting project and Climate Change action. We were extraordinarily fortunate to have him here in Bridport and will remember him fondly and are thinking of his family at this difficult time."
Bob retired in July 2018 and moved to the Bristol area. Away from work, his passions were his family, and sport, including cricket and horse racing but particularly football, as a lifelong supporter of Charlton Athletic.
The Town Flag will fly at half mast on the Town Hall this week in memory of Bob, and councillors will pay tribute at their meeting tonight Tuesday 21 September.