Mr John Effemey.
A FORMER chairman of the IW Council — described by friends as the rock on which proper Island government was founded — has died, aged 80.
John Effemey, who died at St Mary’s Hospital on January 28, was born in Romsey, Hampshire, and moved to the Island in 1963.
Before retirement, he worked for Hampshire County Council and then Portsmouth City Council in the civil engineering department.
Mr Effemey, of Crossfield Avenue, Cowes, was elected to Medina Borough Council in 1983 and remained undefeated until the council’s abolition, when it became part of the IW Council unitary authority.
He was also Medina Borough Council’s last mayor.
He served on the IW Council until he retired in 2009 and also served as its chairman.
Mr Effemey was a founder member of Cowes Round Table in 1968 and also served on a number of committees.
He worshiped at St Mary’s Church, Cowes, where he sang in the choir for many years, becoming a sidesman and, later, a lay assistant at communion.
He also served on the parochial church council, was a Cowes harbour commissioner and a member of the Island Sailing Club and the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club.
He had a deep interest in local history and the economy.
Paying tribute to Mr Effemey, friends Cllr George Brown and his wife, Sue, said: "John was the rock on which proper local IW government was founded over many years.
"His was the integrity, determination and personal charm that ensured the fullest representation of all his people in Cowes."
Island MP Andrew Turner said: "John was one of the nicest people you could meet — he and Beth were among the first people I met when I came to the Island; they took me under their wing and were kindness itself.
"John was totally dedicated to the Island and in particular to helping the residents of Cowes.
"He will be very much missed by many people."
Mr Effemey leaves his wife, Beth, who he married in 1952, three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
His funeral service takes place on Thursday at 2pm at St Mary’s Church, Cowes, and then at the IW Crematorium, Whippingham, at 3pm.
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