A MAN who worked hard for his community for 40 years said yesterday he could not have done it without his wife.
Arnold Makepeace said his wife Gwen, who has died aged 80, was a huge help in the duties he carried out at Cockfield, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.
He was a member of Cockfield Parish Council, Barnard Castle Rural Council and Teesdale District Council from the early 1960s until he stepped down two years ago.
A former miner, he was made an honorary alderman of the district.
He said: "I could not have done it without Gwen, who gave me outstanding support all the way. She was always pleasant to people who came to the house to discuss their problems. She was modest and liked to stay in the background, but she took a keen interest in everything I did and was always there to encourage me."
Mrs Makepeace leaves a son, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at St Mary's Parish Church, Cockfield, at 1.30pm tomorrow.
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