Remembering Councillor Robert Everitt

Councillor Liz Harsant, Chairman of Suffolk County Council, said:

"It is with deep sadness that I write to inform you of the untimely death of our dear colleague and friend, Councillor Robert Everitt, over the weekend.

Robert’s contribution to public life and his unwavering dedication to his community spanned more than four decades, beginning in 1981 as a parish councillor in Wickhambrook. His values were clear from the very start that “you only get out of life what you put in”, and Robert certainly gave his all, time and again, for the people of Suffolk.

Whether it was Robert’s time as Mayor of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, or the various cabinet member positions he held, including that of Families and Communities at West Suffolk Council, or more recently becoming a County Councillor in 2017 and carrying out his duty as Chairman in 2022, Robert carried out every responsibility with warmth, dignity, and purpose.

He had a gift for connection; with residents, colleagues, and with causes close to his heart, from encouraging a love of reading among young people to championing those with hearing impairments and advocating for children with dyslexia.

We will miss Robert's calm wisdom, his kindness, tireless spirit, and his unfailing good humour.

On behalf of the Council, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Robert’s wife, Diane, their family and loved ones during this very difficult time."

Councillor Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said:

"Robert leaves the most incredible legacy. He was a remarkable local councillor who could not have been more passionate about Bury St Edmunds. But not only that, he was synonymous with it.

To know the town was to know Robert, whether as the face for many years of the Christmas Fayre or the regular sightings of him cycling around the town - famously doing it once in his Mayoral robes.

Robert’s loss will be felt deeply across the town and Suffolk more widely but most of all by his wife Diane, his two daughters and their family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all."