MEMORIES of Wiltshire Councillor and former Chief Superintendent Jerry Wickham are being shared after a book of condolences has been opened at Trowbridge library.

Jerry passed away on 23 July from prostate cancer, an illness he had for three years while still carrying out his full duties.

Members of the public can sign the book for the next two weeks.

Prior to becoming a Wiltshire Councillor Jerry had a very distinguished 30-year career at Wiltshire Police, reaching the rank of Chief Superintendent until he retired from the force in 2010.

Jerry, was elected as a unitary councillor at Wiltshire Council in March 2014, representing the Ethandune division, and was widely respected among his peers regardless of their political allegiances.

Since being elected, Jerry was a portfolio holder for waste and highways before taking up his cabinet position for adult social care, public health and public protection. One of Jerry’s significant recent legacies is the transformation programme in adult social care, which resulted in an improved and efficient service for residents and more than £6m of savings during the 2018/19 financial year.

Jerry is survived by his wife Suzanne and two grown-up sons.

Wiltshire Council leader, Philip Whitehead; Chairman, James Sheppard; and Executive Directors Alistair Cunningham, Carlton Brand and Terence Herbert paid tribute to Jerry Wickham and his extraordinary career of public service last week:

Statement from Wiltshire Council leader, Philip Whitehead:

“Jerry was a close friend and a fantastic colleague for many years. As a councillor and cabinet member Jerry always put others before him and was wholeheartedly committed to his local community and Wiltshire. Jerry felt duty bound to serve the public and that was evident in a very distinguished career with the police before representing Wiltshire Council.

“The plan was for Jerry to be leader of the council and I his deputy, and I wish more than anything that’s what could have happened as he would have been a great leader.

“We shall miss him terribly.”

Statement from Wiltshire Council executive directors, Alistair Cunningham, Carlton Brand and Terence Herbert:

“Jerry had prostate cancer but his illness did not define him, but what did was his integrity, values and his skill as a cabinet member. His knowledge of his brief and his ability to drive improvements in this council was second to none.

“Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, and we’re in no doubt Jerry will want us to continue to raise awareness of this illness which robs so many people of their loved ones, so if anyone needs any advice and support please visit

https://prostatecanceruk.org/

“Our thoughts are with Jerry’s wife Suzanne, their sons and his family and friends at this very sad time.”

Statement from the chairman of Wiltshire Council, James Sheppard:

“Jerry was a man of the utmost integrity and coupled with his depth of knowledge on so many areas, it made him a councillor that was always at the beating heart of the community he served with such pride and passion.

“He will be truly missed by all that knew him at Wiltshire Council and throughout the county but he leaves behind a wonderful legacy."