TWO minutes silence was held at Carmarthenshire County Council meeting today in honour of Cllr Tom Theophilus who died suddenly last week.
Tributes were paid to the councillor, who had been a member of the county council since its formation in 1996, representing the Cilycwm ward.
Cllr Theophilus, who would have celebrated his 85th birthday this week, had also been a member of the former Dyfed County Council and Dinefwr Borough Council.
Independents group leader Cllr Pam Palmer said: “It is with great sadness that I see an empty space in the chamber today where Tom used to sit.
“He was a valued member of the county council, during all this time he undertook his duties with an affable and friendly demeanour, which typified his approach to the world.
“He was a true gentleman who always acted with honour.”
Council leader Cllr Emlyn Dole said his deepest sympathy was wife Cllr Theophilus’ wife Ann, sons William and Jeffrey, his grandchildren and all his family.
“His maturity and experience gave him the ability to offer wise guidance as well as a good measure of common sense in our decision making.
“He had the ability to listen and respond thoughtfully, and when he spoke his quiet considered voice always demanded respectful attention.”
Labour group leader Cllr Jeff Edmunds said: “He was the grandfather of this chamber, he always had a smile and always was a true gentleman.
“He spoke with honour, integrity and a lot of common sense.”
Cllr Theophilus’ funeral will take place on Tuesday, July 19, at 2pm, at St Michael’s Church in Cilycwm.
