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Tributes after councillor's death
TRIBUTES were paid today to a South Tyneside councillor who has died suddenly, just months after undergoing a six-hour double heart bypass operation.
Coun Barrie Scorer, 63, served the Jarrow area for almost 40 years as both a town and county councillor.
A Primrose ward member since 1994, Coun Scorer was first elected to the former Jarrow Borough Council in 1971.
In the 1980s, he served on Tyne and Wear County Council, before rejoining South Tyneside Council, again representing the people of Jarrow, where he lived for most of his life.
The Gazette has opened a book of condolence for Barrie Scorer. To leave a message, click here.
In May this year, Coun Scorer joined the Cabinet as lead member for environment and transport, but later underwent heart surgery in June at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.
Although the operation went well, he suffered a setback when he was diagnosed with swine flu.
But Coun Scorer regained his health, lost weight and seemed to be making a full recovery following his heart problems.
Shocked council colleagues and friends paid tribute to a councillor one called "larger than life".
Coun Maisie Stewart, for the Bede ward, Jarrow, who has known Coun Scorer since the late 1960s, said: "Barrie's death is such a terrible shock.
"I only saw him on Friday night at Queens Road Day Centre, Jarrow, and he seemed fine. But Barrie was never one to talk about his complaints, despite his heart operation.
"When he was Mayor in the 1990s, he asked me to be his Mayoress, and he was a real gentleman throughout the year.
"No one had a bad word to say about Barrie. He was larger than life and cared about people. Barrie was a really lovely man."
Coun Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council, said: "I was terribly upset to hear of Barrie's death.
"Not only has the council lost a very good Cabinet member, but I have lost a very dear and valued friend, and the people of Jarrow have lost a councillor who assiduously defended their interests.
"As Mayor, he presided over council meetings with fairness and good humour, and was respected by both sides of the chamber. Thoughts are with Barrie's family and friends at this very sad time."
Coun Jim Perry, a fellow Primrose ward member, said: "Barrie seemed to get back on his feet really quickly after his operation, but he was also someone who put on a brave face and never talked about his problems.
"He was a very good colleague, who helped you share the load of council work. Barrie will be greatly missed."
Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn added: "Barrie was a warm and friendly person who will be a great miss to politics and the people of this area."
Coun Scorer was a member of Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority and sat on the management committees of several Jarrow centres, including Jarrow Community Association, the Millennium Phab Club and the Mid-Tyne Activities Centre.
He was also passionate about local history, acting as a guide at Jarrow Town Hall, where he talked to visitors about memorabilia connected to the Jarrow March.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
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