Sad death of former councillor, mayor and honorary alderman Roger Mace

Tributes have been paid to former councillor, mayor and honorary alderman, Roger Mace, who passed away at the weekend.

Born and brought up in Birmingham, Roger was a qualified chartered accountant, having first studied at both the University of Bristol and the London School of Economics.

In 1970 he moved into the world of academia and was appointed to a lecturing post at Manchester University, before a further step up north saw him move to the Lancaster district in 1976 when he joined Lancaster University as a senior lecturer in accounting and finance.

Roger represented the Over Kellet ward for 20 years from 1999 to 2019, was mayor from 2017 to 2018 and leader of the council from 2007 to 2009.

Outside of his work on the council, among many other interests, he was chair of the Friends of Lancaster City Museum.

The current mayor of Lancaster, Coun David Whitaker, said: “Roger’s loss will be felt across the political spectrum and I’m sure I speak on behalf of the whole council when I say he will be missed by all who knew him.

“He was a passionate community activist who gave his all to stand up for people in his ward.

“My sincere condolences go to all of his friends and family.”

He is survived by his wife, Joyce, and children Jonathan, Thomas, and Elizabeth.

Details of funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Last updated: 23 September 2019