Family’s tributes to ‘irreplaceable’ former Emsworth councillor and environmental campaigner

Ray Cobbett, who represented Emsworth and St Faith’s, died on July 3 at the age of 81 surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his wife, Patricia, along with three children and two grandchildren.

His family said he was ‘irreplaceable’ and would ‘leave a big hole for many people’.

Patricia said: ‘Ray was such an energetic and enthusiastic man who had a good sense of humour.

‘He was very generous with his time and looking after his local community was what really mattered to him.’

Ray was a county councillor for the Liberal Democrats between 1993-97 and was an accomplished campaigner.

He was passionate about the natural world and led numerous environmental campaigns in his role as local chairman of the Liberal Democrats, and later as Havant chairman of Friends of the Earth.

Patricia added: ‘His love of the outdoors stemmed from childhood when he would go to his grandfather's allotment and trips from London, where he grew up, to the surrounding countryside.

‘Ray loved sailing and the Dorset coast. He liked to visit the Scottish Islands and observe seabirds – particularly puffins.’

His passion for nature resulted in Ray spearheading environmental campaigns which saw him recognised with a Lifetime Achievers Award by Friends of the Earth.

Tributes have flooded in from former Liberal Democratic colleagues and fellow environmentalists after Ray’s death following a short illness.

Councillor Adam Carew said: ‘Ray was a dedicated community campaigner and threw his energies into organising many Green events.

‘This included Havant Goes Greener in 2008 as well as lobbying for change at national and international level.

‘No one deserved their Lifetime Achievers Award more.’

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One of Ray’s primary concerns was climate change and its potential impact on species extinction.

‘His message was clear – only radical action now can avert global disaster,’ added Cllr Carew.

Former Mayor of Havant, Faith Ponsonby, worked alongside Ray on various political campaigns, most recently being the 2010 General Election.

Faith said: ‘Ray will be much missed by many people. He was a great source of ideas and enthusiasm.’

Even after stepping down from party duties Ray continued to campaign for causes close to the heart of local people.

Faith added: ‘Even after Ray became ill he was heavily involved in the protest campaign against the closure of Emsworth Library. He was a talented campaigner and knew just how to appeal for support.’

Current leader of Havant Borough Council, Cllr Michael Wilson, added: ‘He was a man with considerable drive and a clear perspective on topics that matter locally and internationally.

‘His commitment to his environmental ideals is to be commended and his loss will be felt by the local community.’

Tributes were also paid during Thursday’s county council meeting.

Cllr Adrian Collett added: ‘I admire that throughout his life, right up until he died, Ray campaigned on the issues he was passionate about.’

Ray’s funeral is still being arranged and will be private due to coronavirus restrictions.

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