Exeter's former deputy lord mayor remembered

Family of Ian Quance receive portrait

The family of Exeter’s former deputy lord mayor and councillor Ian Quance, who died earlier this year, have received a portrait of him from the city council.

Mr Quance passed away in March after living with cancer, with civic leaders on the council paying tribute at the time. Leader Phil Bialyk described him as “not just a political friend but a personal friend.”

Exeter’s former lord mayor Cllr Trish Oliver said she was saddened by the passing of her “good friend,” adding at Tuesday’s annual meeting: “I learned so much from him that influences me. I am grateful to have known him.”

Mr Quance’s family were at the meeting held at the historic Guildhall, where Cllr Oliver handed over a portrait on behalf of the city to his wife Heather.

Mr Quance was Exeter's deputy Lord Mayor last year

She then addressed the meeting, saying: “Ian loved this city, and he loved being a councillor and he loved working with all of you.”

“He had so much respect and admiration – regardless of party – for the work you do, the time and the effort you make for this city, so thank you.”

One of Mr Quance’s favourite pieces of music, Bob Marley’s Redemption Song, was then played.

He represented the Pennsylvania ward for just under three years after being elected onto the city council as a Labour candidate in May 2019. Last year he was Exeter’s deputy lord mayor.

Before becoming a councillor, Mr Quance spent a number of years working for the city council.