Mid Devon and Crediton Councillor dies aged 80
Tributes have been paid to Frank Letch following his passing
The Chairman of Mid Devon District Council, Frank Letch, has died aged 80.
He's been described as a 'very well-known figure in the Crediton community and beyond' and passed away yesterday (Tuesday 8th April), following an illness.
Mid Devon District Council leader, Luke Taylor, said:
“Frank poured his heart and soul into local politics and would always represent his communities to the highest of standards, as he would expect from us all. He never shied away from stepping forward to represent others, be that through his role as a local councillor or through supporting charities and organisations close to his heart.
"He took on many roles at the Council, including scrutiny, planning and equality, and despite his busy schedule, and latterly his poor health, he continued to advocate for fairness and representation for everyone. This Council will be a poorer place without Frank’s dedication and enthusiasm to local politics and he will be missed by elected Members from across all parties.”
Frank was born in June 1944 in the East End of London, and attended Birmingham University to study French and Italian in 1963.
After graduating he spent five years teaching in Birmingham and married Helen, before moving to Bala in Wales.
Frank retired in 1992 to concentrate on his five children and their Crufts award-winning kennel of dogs, after his wife Helen sadly died in 1990.
In 1995 Frank moved to Scotland but then moved to Devon and Crediton.
Over the years Frank has had roles with several charities including Reach (Association for Children with upper limb deficiency) Devon in Sight, the Jubilee Sailing Trust and a local preschool.
He was awarded the MBE in the New Year's honours list in 2015.
Frank was first elected to Mid Devon District Council in 2015 and to Devon County Council in 2021.
He was the Mayor of Crediton for 13 years and was elected Chairman of Mid Devon District Council in 2023.
Frank is survived by his wife Natalia, who is a serving member of Mid Devon District Council.