Former Devizes Mayor Pete Smith, who suffered a heart attack at the wheel of his van on Monday, has lost his fight for life.

Mr Smith, 67, died in Bristol Royal Infirmary yesterday (Saturday) evening after his life support machine was turned off.

His daughter Naomi Britton said: "Totally devastated on Saturday August 20 at 20.34pm my beautiful little dad Peter Barry John Smith passed away. A true gentleman and an inspiration, and being the best Dad and Grampy in the world. I love you with all my heart Dad go and fly high. I adore you."

Coun Smith, 67, who threw himself into everything during his two terms as mayor was also well known as a member of the Major Wrecks male majorette group, was taken ill at about 10.30am on Monday at the roundabout near St James Church, Devizes.

He joined Devizes Town Council as a member of Devizes Guardians in 2003 having moved to the town in the 1960s.
He leaves his wife Sonia, three sons, a daughter and six grandchildren.

Mr Smith underwent surgery in Bristol on Monday and was then put in an induced coma
Coun Smith, who had worked for Wiltshire Council for many years, had been driving a council Mercedes Sprinter van when he was taken ill.

When Coun Smith finished his time as mayor in 2014 he was applauded by other town councillors for uniting ranks after a difficult period.


At the time current Mayor Jane Burton said: “Under his leadership he has brought loyalty and camaraderie back to the council and it is working well again.


“He is game for anything and we will remember him taking to a scooter at Ramp Nation and wearing a swimming hat at a swimming gala.


“During the recent dreadful flooding, in his work for Wiltshire Council, he was often working from early morning to late in the evening as well as carrying out his mayoral duties.”