Former Grimsby mayor Alec Bovill dies at 79
FORMER Mayor of Grimsby Alec Bovill died in hospital yesterday aged 79.
The ex-trawlerman and railway man served the town as a councillor for more than 30 years.
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Alec Bovill, left, was Mayor of Grimsby from 1994-95. Mr Bovill is pictured here in May 1994, along with Mayor’s Sergeant, John Mallon.
He became leader of Grimsby Borough Council in 1979 – a role he kept for 16 years and was the Mayor of Grimsby in 1994.
One of the area’s longest-serving Labour councillors, Mr Bovill served most of his time in the same ward on the town’s West Marsh.
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He also received one of the highest honours the Queen can give – an MBE in 1998 for his dedicated work in the regeneration of the town. He was joined by his wife Frances when he received it at Buckingham Palace.
Born in Veal Street in 1932, Mr Bovill went to South Parade and Armstrong Street schools before leaving at 14 to work on a trawler.
He also served in the Merchant Navy and later went to work as a signal engineer on the railways for more than 30 years.
When he was mayor in 1994 he chose the RNLI as his nominated charity for the year.
The £26,000 raised contributed towards a new lifeboat for Spurn Point. Two years later, he received the Order Of The Falcon from the president of Iceland for his help in rebuilding links with Iceland after the Cod War.
He was an avid Grimsby Town fan and arranged his wedding to Frances to coincide with a home tie. He is survived by his children Alexandra and Colin and a number of grandchildren.
A full tribute will appear later.
Comments
by AMP Plumbing Limited
Wednesday, June 06 2012, 4:45PM
“RIP Alec”
by mattyb1234
Wednesday, June 06 2012, 3:40PM
“Very sad news that Alec Bovill has died. A man who tried his best for the people of North East Lincolnshire. I remember when I first got involved in the Labour Party. He was a very supportive person. One of the greatest public speakers this town has produced in the Council Chamber and a vision that was only matched by his dedication and presistance to do good by the people of Grimsby. RIP Alec you will be sadly missed not just by your friends in the Labour Party but also the many people that you represented, worked with and helped during your many years as a Councillor of the area.”
by votegreen
Tuesday, June 05 2012, 10:56PM
“alec you are sadly missed a true gentleman with a heart of gold and have moved many mountains in this great town . best regards ken coulbeck jnr west marsh”