MANY residents of the wider Winchester district will be saddened to learn of the death of Neil Baxter, former city councillor for Itchen Valley and the 806th Mayor of the City of Winchester in 2005-06.

First elected to the council in 1998, Neil served on numerous committees, bringing wisdom and understanding to all he undertook. He held the positions of vice-chairman of the Planning Development Control Committee, chairman of the Standards Committee and has been a member of the Licensing and Regulations Committee.

Since retiring Neil spent nine years as a member, Vice-chairman and the last chairman of the Community Health Council (CHC) for Winchester and Central Hampshire. He was the CHC’s representative on the Mid Hampshire PCT and Winchester & Eastleigh Healthcare (Hospital) Trust.

Neil’s career saw him serving his National Service with the Royal Army Medical Corps in the UK, Singapore and Sri Lanka before graduating as a chartered physiotherapist from the Glasgow Royal Infirmary School of Physiotherapy.

His interest in healthcare was furthered by his highly successful career in the pharmaceutical industry which saw him based in many locations across the world.

In 1980 Neil moved back to the UK as Corporate Affairs Director for the UK/Eire for Lilly International and set up home in Little Hayes Lane, Itchen Abbas.

He was very active outside his council life as a member of the Lions, a past president of Wykeham Probus Club, his church, the bowls and boules clubs.

Through his charities as Mayor, Neil supported the Make-a-Wish Foundation UK, The Stroke Association and the Winchester Live at Home Scheme.

He retired from the council in 2011.

He was hugely saddened by the death of his beloved wife Margaret, who died as he returned home to tell her he had been elected Deputy Mayor. He later married their life-long friend Meg, who also predeceased him.

Finding life alone is his home getting too difficult, Neil moved to St. Catherine’s View, Winchester, where he was beautifully looked after. He died there on November 19.

Earlier this year his last visit to Abbey House, the official residence of the Mayor of Winchester, was to have tea with the then Mayor, Councillor Frank Pearson, when he proudly wore the chain once again.

One of the world’s true gentlemen, Neil was a kind, thoughtful and diligent man who tirelessly served his constituents and the wider community.

He is survived by his loving family of three children and four grandchildren. He will be much missed.

l The funeral service will be at St John the Baptist church in Itchen Abbas on Wednesday December 18 at 12.30pm.