COUNCILLOR Roger Emmett, the chairman of Wycombe District Council, died early on Sunday morning aged 67.

It is understood Cllr Emmett, part of the well known faming family in the Marlow area, passed away suddenly.

But no cause of death has been officially given at present.

The father-of-two, a resident of Frieth, and lifelong farmer, was first elected to WDC as a conservative in 2001. 

Officials at WDC confirmed his death this morning and said it made the announcement with great sadness.

Cllr Richard Scott, Leader of Wycombe District Council, commented: "Roger was an excellent ward councillor and I had been looking forward to working with him as the recently elected chairman of the district.

"He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and worked with him at Wycombe District Council and in the local community.

"The heartfelt sympathies of everyone at Wycombe District Council is with Roger's wife Frances, their two sons Mark and Neill and the rest of their family."

WDC spokesman Catherine Spalton said: "Councillors and officers at the Council were devastated to learn that Roger had died yesterday morning at the age of 68. He will be remembered with great fondness as a kind, caring, funny man with a great passion for Wycombe and a very loving family."

Carl Etholen, Chairman of Buckinghamshire County Council said today: "It is with great sadness I learned of Roger's sudden passing. I've known Roger for over 10 years when we were both on Wycombe District Council together.

"He will be greatly missed by those who knew him and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Frances and his family at this sad time."

Cllr Emmett was a lifelong farmer, with a love of rugby, skiing, walking and travel.

An active member of WDC since 2001, he represented the rural ward of Hambleden Valley. Having served as Vice Chairman last year, he became Chairman in May 2013.

He has more recently acted as the ward member for Hambleden.

A minute’s silence will be held for Cllr Emmett today, during the Armed Forces Flag Raising Ceremony at 12.30pm at the front of the Wycombe District Council offices.

At the Princes Risborough Town Council meeting on Tuesday night chairman Alan Turner said: “I was only talking to him on Friday evening at an event. He looked to all intents and purposes, as fit as a fiddle and enjoying life.
“He wasn’t someone that appeared to be unwell. He was not someone who was a smoker or heavy drinker or anything like that.
“He really was in the best of health.
“It certainly was a great shock to all district councillors. He went to bed Saturday night and died Sunday morning. He leaves a wife and two children.
“We flew the flag at half mast on Monday.”

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