Tributes paid to Chorley community stalwart and "great public servant" John Cowdall

Mr Cowdall (pictured) was the first chief executive of West Lancashire Council, serving from April 1, 1974 for 16 years.

After retiring from West Lancashire, he set up his own management and development company, and took on many other prominent roles in the community, including serving as chair of the board of governors at Stonyhurst College and Cardinal Newman Sixth Form College as well as being chairman of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.

He also served as vice-chairman of Calderstones Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, as well as being elected as president of Chorley Astley Rotary Club, close to where he lived.

Mr Cowdall was also a trustee of the Archdiocese of Liverpool and a member of the board of regents at Liverpool Hope University, two roles which led to him being made a Papal Knight of the Order of St Gregory.

Bill Taylor, who was West Lancs Council chief executive between 1997 and 2011, said: “John was the architect of so much that is good about West Lancs, constantly trying to attract in new investment and job opportunities.

“Most of all John will be remembered as an all-round good guy. The staff and councillors loved John and talked about him fondly years after he left.”

Deputy Mayor of West Lancashire Coun Terry Aldridge, said: “When I was first elected he invited all the new councillors in for a cup of tea to introduce us to staff.

“He was a very fair-minded man and a great public servant.”