Tributes paid to a ‘true gentleman’ who spent his life in public service
Wyndham Northam. Picture: COURTESTY OF NORTH NORFOLK DISTRICT COUNCIL - Credit: Archant
Tributes have been paid to a highly-respected district councillor who gave a lifetime to public service.
Wyndham Northam, when he was chairman of Norfolk County Council in 2009, celebrating his 80th birthday at a special reception for 30 men and women who were 80. Photo: Nick Butcher - Credit: Archant © 2009
Wyndham Northam, who had been a North Norfolk District councillor (NNDC) for Mundesley ward for 15 years, died at the weekend aged 89 after a short illness.
John Lee, NNDC leader, said of his fellow Conservative: 'Wyndham was a true gentleman and I will miss his wise advice, counsel and sense of humour.
'We have lost a man who dedicated his life to public service, a man who worked tirelessly for the people of Mundesley and North Norfolk.'
Mr Northam was on the council's cabinet for seven years, bringing his expertise to the finance portfolio.
Wyndham Northam in 2009, celebrating his 80th birthday with wife, Sylvia. Photo: Nick Butcher - Credit: Archant © 2009
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He was a Norfolk county councillor for a total of 12 years and was its chairman in 2008/09, finishing in 2017.
He served in the Royal Navy from 1945 to 1954, specialising in radar and communications, and worked as a station master and traffic controller for British Rail from 1954 to 1963.
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From then until 1992, Mr Northam was a member of a major finance house, specialising in administration and credit control.
He was also a member of the Norwich Gilbert and Sullivan Society.
The then Norfolk County Council chairman Wyndham Northam in 2009, speaking at a ceremony to mark the completion of the roundabout on the A140 at Pulham Market. Photo: Denise Bradley - Credit: ©Archant Photographic 2009
Mr Northam was also a member of Mundesley Parish Council and been a member of Mountain Ash Urban District Council in Wales from 1959 to 1972.
He is survived by his wife Sylvia and their son James.
Sarah Butikofer, NNDC's Liberal Democrat group leader, said: 'On behalf of our group, I would like to express my deep and sincere condolences to Wyndham's family, friends and political colleagues at this sad time.
'Wyndham was a true gentleman who gave many years dedicated and valuable service to the people of Mundesley and the wider community of North Norfolk, and will be sadly missed by all who had the very great pleasure of knowing him.'
Angie Fitch-Tillett, Independent group deputy leader, said: 'I have known and worked with Wyndham for more than 15 years. He has commanded a huge amount of respect and we will all miss him.
'On behalf of my group, I would say that he has been a friend to all of us.'
NNDC staff paid their respects to Mr Northam at a cabinet meeting on Monday, and attendees marked his memory with a minute's silence.
