Tributes paid after death of Exeter’s Deputy Lord Mayor

Published: 25 March 2022

Civic leaders have paid tribute to Exeter’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Ian Quance, who passed away this week after a battle with cancer.

Ian represented the Pennsylvania ward for just under three years after being elected onto the City Council as a Labour candidate in May 2019. Last year he was appointed as Exeter’s Deputy Lord Mayor.

Exeter’s Lord Mayor Cllr Trish Oliver said she was saddened by the passing of her “good friend”.

“Rarely have I met someone whose presence, words, and actions touched me in the way Ian’s did, and I know I am but one of many people who loved his fierce honesty and humbleness of spirit.

“With a bone dry sense of humour, and an enchanting way of telling stories, he inspired so many to work for a fairer, a better, a more compassionate world,” she said.

“In the New Year, Ian spoke of life, saying ‘don’t just waste it, squeeze every ounce of juice out of it. Be good to yourselves. Love is the answer’. My thoughts are with Ian’s family and close friends at this saddest of times. Rest peacefully Ian, after a life well lived.”

Before becoming a councillor, Ian spent a number of years working for the City Council, where he headed up the authority’s Bereavement Services Department.

Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “Ian was not just a political friend but a personal friend and we are all saddened by his death. He battled cancer for over two years. He has a lovely, strong and supportive family and will be greatly missed.”

The Council, its staff and councillors send their condolences to Ian’s friends and family at this sad time.