Dennis Teasdale: A dedicated servant of local government

A senior figure on council committees, he was one of the key players behind efforts to secure funding to restore the Grade II-listed Town Hall. He was also a well-known figure in non-league football and cricketing circles for many years.

Born in Middlesbrough in 1947, he moved to Guisborough in 1959 and attended Guisborough County Modern School, now Laurence Jackson, where he was a prefect and deputy head boy. He went on to become a senior officer at the former Langbaurgh Borough Council before retiring from local government in 2002. Politics beckoned when he was elected to Guisborough Town Council in 2011.

He represented the town for the Conservatives on the borough council in 2015. A grandfather of five, he also volunteered for the Friends of Guisborough Cemetery group.

The Conservative member’s passing this week has sparked heartfelt condolences from across the political divide.

Cllr Billy Wells, the mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, shared his sadness at Cllr Teasdale’s passing, hailing him as a dedicated servant of local government. “He was a passionate advocate for the people who elected him and campaigned tirelessly to make a real difference in his community. He will also be remembered as a friend and colleague by everyone at both Guisborough Town Council and Redcar and Cleveland Council.”

Cllr Philip Thomson, leader of the Conservative group, paid tribute to a “firm friend and colleague. His service and dedication to Redcar and Cleveland Council was clear for all to acknowledge. Dennis was willing to take on responsibilities well in excess of a normal serving councillor. All who worked with Dennis found a patient and understanding servant of the community, willing to listen but with strong views on matters of principle and social justice. He shall be missed across the political spectrum and among council officers with whom he worked for many years – first as a council employee himself and then latterly over many years as a representative of Guisborough ward. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Honor, and all the family members at this very sad time.”

Cllr Carl Quartermain, leader of the Labour group, said Cllr Teasdale was “the definition of a true gentleman" and would be sorely missed. "He was very much liked by all who met him and was sincerely admired and respected as a thoroughly decent fatherly figure. As a councillor and mayor he was exemplary, reliable and conscientious – and would always step up when called upon. I worked with Dennis on numerous committees and occasionally we would inspect Guisborough leisure centre together to ensure it adhered to the highest standards. He was diligent and took his duties seriously and with grace " I am shocked and deeply moved to hear he wasn’t able to win his fight. He will be sorely missed by us all.”

Simon Clarke, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said the former mayor was an “instantly likeable” man whose public service would not be forgotten. The Conservative MP added: "Dennis never ceased in championing causes for his local community. Most recently I know how proud he was to secure National Lottery funding to save Guisborough Town Hall.

"I know how hard Dennis worked to help achieve that goal and how delighted he was to be able to give something back to his community. Dennis had a remarkable gift of genuine friendliness that crossed party boundaries. He was a friend to everybody he met and was always motivated by the purest instinct to do whatever he could to help his community. He will be sorely missed."

Redcar MP Jacob Young also paid tribute, saying: "Dennis was a great person to know and a fantastic councillor and advocate for Redcar and Cleveland.”