Tributes paid to ‘popular and well-respected’ former Hailsham mayor and councillor

Robin Kempe was a former mayor and town councillor

Robin Kempe passed away at home recently due to a cardiac arrest, Hailsham Town Council confirmed.

A spokesman said: “Mr Kempe was a respected and active member of the local community for many years, having been co-opted on to the Town Council in 2006 and subsequently elected in 2007, and serving as Town Mayor and Chairman from 2010 to 2011.

“A salesman, property developer, furniture maker and self-published author by trade, Mr Kempe was also Chairman of the Hailsham & District Chamber of Commerce in 2002, a few years before joining the Town Council.

“Whilst serving as a town councillor, Mr Kempe served on various committees including the Finance, Budget & Resources and Planning & Development committees, as well as the former Burials & Properties and Environment & Leisure committees.”

His daughter, Lucy, and his wife Carolyn, said: “He dedicated himself to the town and thoroughly enjoyed all his involvement with the Town Council, which he took very seriously.”

Town Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook offered his condolences on behalf of the Town Council.

“Having known Robin for many years, it goes without saying that he was a popular and well-respected member of the Town Council, having served the community for a number of years and caring passionately about Hailsham and its residents,” he said.

Robin was described as 'popular' and 'dedicated'

“We are all greatly upset by the news that our friend has passed away, and I know I speak for all my colleagues at the Town Council, as well as the wider community, when I say that Robin will be sorely missed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.”

Deputy Town Clerk Mickey Caira said: “I can only add to the many wonderful messages which have already circulated about Robin Kempe, that this is such a huge loss for everyone who knew and worked with him.”

“Robin worked tirelessly on behalf of the community that he was proud to represent and contributed significantly to the various Council committees on which he served during his term in office.”