East Devon councillor Val Ranger dies

Popular independent was former lecturer

Tributes have been paid to an East Devon councillor who has died.

Val Ranger, who was an independent candidate and sat on East Devon District Council as part of the Democratic Alliance, was vice chair of the  counci. 

Cllr Ranger, a former lecturer at Exeter College, had been suffering ill-health for many years. 

EDDC's Lleader Cllr Paul Arnott said:"Val was one of those extraordinary characters whose premature loss is being deeply felt by hundreds of people, both in East Devon and beyond.

"Although being a district councillor meant that she was partly a political figure, the kind, courteous and patient way she had with members from all backgrounds marked her out as a very special human being, evident inside and well beyond the council chamber.

"Very many of us simply adored her for her calmness and wit, while also appreciating her true grit and determination to resist and flush out cant, from whatever quarter, which was the cornerstone of both her campaigning and her case work.

"Ultimately, we will always love her for who she was, a unique, incredibly hard-working person with a radiant, smiling personality, the wisest of counsels to people of all ages.

"Our profound sympathies go to her family, in particular to her two adult sons Richard and Chris, who I hope are already taking considerable comfort from the flood of warm testimonies being paid to their mum.

A public memorial service will be held to remember Val on Friday 17 September between 12.30 p.m. and 4 p.m. at The Pavilion at Newton Poppleford playing fields.

A by-election will be held in due course.