Tributes to ‘Mr Athletics’ and ex-Gloucester Mayor Terry Haines
Friends and family from across the city have paid tribute to the former Mayor who was also an important figure in the athletics community
Last updated 24th Dec 2025
“Tremendously-loved” Terry Haines, the former Mayor and Sheriff of Gloucester and widely regarded as Mr Gloucestershire Athletics, has died suddenly at the age of 82.
Friends and family from across the city have paid tribute to the Labour stalwart who was also a very important figure in the athletics community.
He helped revive Gloucester Athletic Club and was a founding member of Severn Athletic Club where “his commitment and passion extended far beyond the club itself”.
He was the key organiser of the Tredworth Road Race and taught at Calton Primary School for many years.
Former Gloucester City Council leader Kevin Stephen led the tributes to his late uncle who died on December 22.
He said Terry was actually out planning a race meeting over the Christmas period when he died.
“I knew Terry in both a personal and professional capacity,” he said.
“I was leader of the council during Terry’s tenure as a councillor and mayor and sheriff.
“He was a tremendous asset to the city. Very well respected and held in high esteem by all political parties across the council.
“And his contribution was immense and he will be greatly missed.”
He said apart from his political life he had extensive interest outside the council and was the “foremost advocate of athletics in the city”.
He also made major contributions to Gloucester’s cultural life.
“This included involvement in folk music and various festivals and a lifelong interest in the history of the city,” Mr Stephens said.
“If anyone ever needed information about Gloucester’s history and traditions, Terry was the person to turn to.
“He was a really nice guy, tremendously loved by everybody who knew him and will be sorely missed.”
Severn Athletic Club said in a statement that they were deeply saddened by Terry’s death.
“Terry was a founding and much loved member of the club and he made a monumental contribution to Severn AC over many years,” they said.
“His commitment and passion extended far beyond the club itself. He was a respected and instrumental voice within the wider athletics community in Gloucester City, the wider County and Region.
“He touched the lives of countless runners, past and present.
“This news will come as a great shock to many and our thoughts are with Terry’s family and those closest to him at this time.
“The three races that were due to take place on Christmas Day, December 27, and New Year’s Day have been cancelled as a mark of respect.
“The Severn AC family are truly devastated by this news. Terry will be greatly missed by us all. May he rest in peace.”
Gloucester’s Labour MP Alex McIntyre also paid tribute to the former mayor.
He said: “Terry was a true champion for Gloucester and he will be missed by many in the city including his many friends in the Labour Party and the athletics community.
“Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
And Terry Pullen, the Labour group leader at the City Council, said he was shocked and saddened to hear of Terry’s unexpected death.
“Terry was a very committed and hard working City Councillor who represented Barton and Tredworth from 1995 to 2002,” he said.
“In that time he also served as both mayor and sheriff. Despite no longer being a councillor, Terry always remained politically active and I have spent many hours with him campaigning and canvassing.
“What I remember most about Terry was how many people from all political persuasions not only knew him well but also spoke very fondly of him. He will be sadly missed.”