Tributes to 'remarkable man' Len Powell

By pkemp

TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Lichfield and Burntwood's 'greatest post-war public figures', who died last week aged 92.

Len Powell, who held many local leadership roles and became the first Honorary Citizen of Burntwood in 1983, passed away last Thursday.

"Despite the many offices that dad held his family was always his first priority, by a long way," his daughter Gillian Griffin told the Mercury.

"We loved him so much and will miss him terribly."

Len died at Stafford Hospital following complications with a heart complaint.

He was born in Birmingham in 1916 and, after service in France, the Middle East and North Africa, moved to Chase Terrace in 1947.

In 1952, he was elected to Lichfield Rural District and served as chairman from 1969 to 1971.

He was also chairman of Burntwood Parish Council in 1967 and, following local government reorganisation in 1973, he was elected to the new Lichfield District Council, serving as its chairman from 1973 to 1975.

Later he was appoint ed a magistrate and was chairman of the Lichfield bench from 1980 until 1987.

Len was also a driving force behind the building of the Burntwood Recreation Centre.

Son-in-law Mike Griffin said: "He was a remarkable man – full of energy and commitment to local people and causes.

"He was utterly focused on what was right and was not prepared to waiver or compromise."

In 1940 Len married his devoted wife Connie, who 'gave him invaluable support throughout his public life'. She died in 2006.

Son John Powell said: My parents gave us great examples of integrity and devotion to others.

"The sense of service they both had – my father in his many community and political involvements and my mother, for example, as a driving force in the local Darby and Joan club until her mid eighties – will not be forgotten."

His other appointments included: chairman of the Staffordshire Association of Parish Councils; president of Lichfield Operatic Society; and Vice-President of Lichfield and District Arts Association. He was chairman of Chase Terrace Comprehensive School Governors until his mid-eighties.

He also leaves behind two grand children and two great grand children.

Len's funeral takes place on Monday, July 6 at Christ Church Burntwood at 2.15. Those who knew him are welcome to attend.

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