Friends and family pay tribute to very caring Gosport councillor of true integrity after shock death

More than 130 people gathered at Portchester Crematorium to bid farewell to Councillor Bob Maynard, Liberal Democrat ward member for Bridgemary, who died suddenly on November 22.

To honour him, his fellow Gosport Borough Council members attending the funeral dressed in their ceremonial robes.

Inside the chapel, they formed a guard of honour as the 76-year-old’s coffin was laid to rest on the catafalque for the service.

The funeral celebrant, Beverley Lewis, said it was a testament to him that the chapel was full for the service on Friday, December 19.

Reading his eulogy, she said: “Bob was a man of true integrity; he held high morals and values and was a very caring man, which was shown in so many ways.

“He believed in equality for all and was a fierce supporter of animal rights, being a vegetarian since he met Lizzie, his wife, 35 years ago. Bob hated any form of injustice, and his politics always reflected that strong belief.”

Mourners were told Cllr Maynard was born in Gosport on April 19, 1949, and spent most of his life in the town. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and Pompey fan.

Cllr Maynard began his working life at 16 years old as an apprentice with British Gas, later qualifying as a gas engineer. He moved into training engineers and set up a business with his wife.

Ms Lewis said: “He was fiercely hard working; his motto was ‘up and doing’; he never sat idle, and everything had to be done meticulously.

“He was known locally for his generosity, often helping friends and neighbours with gas servicing, or DIY, especially for those who were in most need.”

She said Cllr Maynard was passionate about animals and the planet.

She said : “He had a deep love for animals, sharing his life with many faithful Staffordshire Bull Terriers over the years, Olwen, Glory, Megan, Alfie and Stanley.“

When he retired, he moved into politics and became a local councillor, and was first elected in May 2022.

Councillor Julie Westerby, ( Lib Dem, Leesland and Newtown) a childhood friend and fellow councillor, said she met him when she was four years old, and knew him as a Mod.

Leader of the council Peter Chegwyn (Lib Dem, Forton) said he looked up to Cllr Maynard.

Cllr Chegwyn said he had a great sense of humour and he was grateful to have known him. Recently, when canvassing around Bridgemary, he had discovered how much Cllr Maynard was loved and respected by residents in his ward.

He added that Cllr Maynard did not always agree with him and could be a little bit stubborn, never taking no for an answer.

His legacy for Gosport residents of Bridgemary will be the play park and skate park floodlights, said Cllr Chegwyn.

Throughout the service, there were poems, music and a visual tribute of photographs. As the service ended, mourners listened to In my Life by the Beatles.

Ms Lewis said: “He was battling kidney disease when he was taken into hospital with pneumonia and had been responding well to treatment. His death was a shock to his wife, Lizzie and the family.”

She added: “Bob will, without doubt, be remembered for his dedication to his work, his community, his family, and the many passions that defined his life. Bob will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”