Glowing tributes paid to former mayor

Former Oldham mayor Brian Mather

GLOWING tributes have been paid to former Oldham mayor Brian Mather who has died following a brave battle against stomach cancer.

Mr Mather, who served as a councillor for 20 years, died peacefully at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice on Tuesday. He was 74.

Noted as one of the nicest councillors to serve on Oldham Council, Mr Mather, of Den Lane, Uppermill, represented Saddleworth East from 1984 to 2004 as a Lib-Dem, apart from his last year as an independent.

He was mayor in 1993-94, was the executive member for finance and performance, a former chairman of Saddleworth Liberal Party and was a governor at Saddleworth School, Holy Trinity School, Dobcross and Friezland School, Greenfield. He worked as a managing director at Saddleworth company Flexitime.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joyce, daughter Tracey, eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, brother Derrick, sister Dorothy and half-brother Jimmy.

The former mayoress said: “We are devastated. He was very loving. Brian helped with the grandchildren much more than a normal grandad would. He was just that type of person. He was a very, very good councillor and was great for listening.

“We were a team when people phoned up. We were never too busy for the people who elected him. He went beyond. He was the best husband, dad, grandad and great-grandad. He was a very soft person. My mum adored him.”

She recalled wonderful memories of their time together, including the moment they met when Mr Mather first asked her to dance with him 57 years ago.

He played football in his younger days and loved to watch all sports, while also carrying out charity work.

The funeral will take place at noon on Friday of next week at Uppermill Methodist Church prior to committal at Oldham Crematorium. Family flowers only, with donations in lieu to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

The borough flag at the Civic Centre will be lowered as a mark of respect on the day of the funeral.

An Oldham Council spokesman said: “The authority is saddened by the death of Mr Mather and our deepest sympathies are expressed to his family and friends.

“Mr Mather served the council, the borough and its citizens for many years and he will be missed by many people.”