Cllr Lillis loses battle with cancer
Thursday July 30, 2009
Councillor Antony Lillis has passed away after a battle with cancer.
Cllr Lillis had been a councillor for nearly 20 years. He was born and brought up in Fulham and lived all his life in the borough. Much of his life was dedicated to public service and in particular the children and elderly residents of the borough.
He will be sorely missed across the council, in our local schools and by many groups in the community and voluntary sector.
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Antony left us too soon and we’ve all grieved in our own special ways. The day of his funeral we grieved from far away in Canada, wishing so very much to be there, just to be with Auntie Sue and all of our family; to be able to comfort them, be there for them, to be able to comfort each other, thinking so much of our family and how hard this is for them. Auntie Sue told us about the day and it sounded like Antony would’ve been so very proud and pleased of how his day went – knowing Ant, he was probably watching and thoroughly enjoying seeing all the people and the wonderful reception – apparently he rarely missed an event. And it would’ve meant so much to him to have his family surrounded and comforted by all the people who meant so much to him.
Della Ruopp, Antony's cousin
I met Antony at a conference on mentoring in secondary schools in Lisbon in September 2008. I was instantly drawn to his very special charm, wit and complete irreverence. His rendition of 'Those Boots...' after a glass or two of local sherry was truly eye-watering and, in turn Antony was astonished by my ability to garner the services of an ancient Portuguese pianist in playing 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down'. We kept in contact afterwards and Antony was a true source of support to me over the last year. His sage advice and ability to listen over a bottle of Pinot were seriously appreciated. There are too few Antony's about: people with absolute dedication to everything they do who still maintain a wonderfully refreshing attitude to life and who have such a well-developed sense of humour. I am sure his legacy will remain for a very long time in the local and wider community, and in the hearts of those of us who knew him socially, he will be someone we were so privileged to call our friend.
Judith Finnemore
On behalf of the Learning Disability Partnership Board, of which Antony was a Co-Chair, I would like to pass on my condolences to Antony’s family and friends on his death. It was sudden shock.
Samantha Johnson, Co-Chair, H&F Learning Disability Partnership Board
The staff at Bishop Creighton House would like to pass on our condolences and our thoughts to Antony’s family, friends and colleagues in the council at this time of loss.
Ben Sloan, Acting Learning Disability Services Manager, Bishop Creighton House
I knew Antony on a more social and personal level. We would have many drinks in the Salutation and put the world to rights - he would always greet me with two warm lovely kisses on each cheek and he was one of the most vibrant and fun loving people I could ever have hoped to meet. My fondest memory of him was when I celebrated 25 years at the council this year. He gave such a loving speech and we all had an all-night sing song where Antony performed one of his favourite songs for me. It was a great night and he was the star of the show. This is a great loss for all who knew him, but I am blessed that I was one of those who did. My thoughts go out to his family and I hope we can all take some comfort that Antony is at peace now and no longer suffering any pain. Antony, I will miss you.
Sandra Ramsay, H&F Council Building Control Technical Support Team Leader
Antony Lillis was a friend and colleague to all those who seek to provide the children and young people of Hammersmith & Fulham with a good, all round and happy experience of school and education. I began teaching in the borough when Antony was still at school here but it wasn't long before our paths began to frequently cross - he as a political activist in the Conservative Party and I as a trades union activist in the National Union of Teachers. Antony was one of those rare politicians who could reach across political boundaries because he would always take you seriously whatever colours you were flying. He simply assumed that others meant well and he was always looking for ways to bring people and ideas together and to incorporate different views. Above all he treated his political friends and opponents with respect, courtesy and good humour however heated the dispute (and disputes about education can be very heated and bitter!). In this respect Antony played an important and perhaps unique role in the borough's new political administration as someone who could reach across divides and although I often disagreed with the stances he took as a local politician I rarely disagreed with his motivations and intentions. And after any petition, deputation, lobby or argument he would always offer me a chance for a drink, to swap jokes and share gossip in the Salutation. The borough, education and the children and young people of this borough will be poorer for his loss. I will miss him personally, it is an absolute tragedy for someone so young to die so suddenly and my thoughts and condolences go his family, colleagues and close friends.
Dennis Charman, Teacher and NUT Secretary
H&F Liberal Democrats were shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Councillor Antony Lillis. He was a genuinely warm and generous character, who transcended party loyalties, and who worked tirelessly for the people of Fulham.
Henrietta Bewley, Chair of H&F Liberal Democrats
Antony was a unique and much loved character in our family. Christmases in our house in Hampshire with all the family and children, and then Antony visiting us in Canada. We had so many laughs with his stories. Antony was very close to his Nanny, Nell Lillis, and we remember when he was the Leader of the Young Conservatives and was invited by Margaret Thatcher to Number Ten! Well Nanny Nell, who used to deliver her famous bread pudding to the "Barra Boys" of Northend Road Market, was so proud of Antony, she made a special bread pudding and a crocheted crinoline lady toilet roll cover especially for Antony to present to Mrs Thatcher! Antony told the story so well and it was very funny - whether or not he presented Nanny Nell's gifts to Mrs Thatcher we will now never know. Antony visited Nanny Nell in her sheltered housing, where she was still baking and making bread pudding for all the residents and friends. So many memories and stories we could tell about Antony and family stories would take up a whole book! We were in England only seven weeks ago and had a lovely time with Antony. Our last memory is meeting him in Bishop's Park. Antony arrived and took Uncle Keith to the Fulham game against Everton. They said goodbye and walked through the park to the game and we took Auntie Barb across Putney Bridge for a lovely lunch in the Star and Garter overlooking the Thames. Who would have thought then, on such a beautiful day on the May long weekend, that it would be the last time we would ever see him before flying back to Canada. As a Town ward Councillor for seven years and a cabinet member, I know how much Antony contributed to the community. Although my town is much smaller, the whole vast region has issues with regional problems, and working in the way Antony did can go a long way. Antony and I have discussed the Walking Bus and his last Christmas Card was a picture of Councillor Lillis walking children to my old primary school, Langford Road. The legacy goes on and on! Our hearts and daily thoughts are with Sue, Richard, Gary and Antony's father Terry Lillis. Memories will never die! All our love.
Auntie Bren and Uncle Keith, and all your cousins and their children in Canada
Cllr Lillis was a very kind man who always put the children first. He was keen to listen and to share the concerns of governors and schools. He was a genuine champion of the borough's children, and wanted them all to have every opportunity in life.
Philippa O'Driscoll, Chair of Governors, St Augustine's School
Antony's goal to visit every school in the borough was reached when he came to James Lee at the end of April. His lively engagement with the children and appreciation of the good practice that he observed in the classroom made him a hit with everyone. Antony was very helpful and supportive - and always good company. We will miss him.
Cllr Gill Dickenson, Chair of Governors, James Lee Nursery School
The Antony Lillis we knew was this funny, cheerful person who we met at the Salutation occasionally after a hard days work. Our fond memories of him was his rendition of Nancy Sinatra's "These boots were made for walking". The best part was when he started to dance. He always brought life into everything. In the Salutation, it didn't matter if he had company, he would always come up to us to say hello. Occasionally, we sang with him and he always put on a good show. We're glad to have sung with him. He always loved to listen to Susan sing and she wishes that they did one last song together. Talking to him was fun as well because he always had interesting stories to tell. If he could hear this we would say to him: "Antony, though you left the world too soon, your boots were definitely made for walking". We will remember you and we will keep singing "These boots were made for walking" just for you. The Salutation is not the same without you. We miss you very much. Lots of love.
Susan Eigbefoh and Yashvee Manrakhan, H&F Council Private Housing and Health team
Antony joined our Employer Steering group shortly after he took office... It was love at first sight! He soon became chair and within a few months had become an essential part of our organisation. He attended virtually every event we invited him to, serving as an inspirational speaker on children and young people's services. It was only recently when he had been admitted to hospital that Antony was unable to attend a major event that he was so looking forward to - the launch of the Dollywood Imagination Library at the BBC. Always highly professional and an impeccable advocate for young people, Antony was a wonderful ambassador for the EBP and LBHF. He came with us to Lisbon last year as part of an important International Conference on Mentoring in Secondary Schools. He acted as our keynote speaker, providing our European colleagues with an overview of Education in LBHF. He knew how to work hard and play hard and we value our memories of Antony. From Beethoven to Nancy Sinatra, Antony had a variety of interests, always staying on track and working hard to support all the organisations and agencies he worked with. Antony's role within our organisation provided us with a huge marketing opportunity, as with Antony on board you could be sure that other organisations would want to work with you! We at the EBP just cannot believe that Antony has gone, we miss him terribly...
Diana Edgecombe, H&F Council EBP Manager
Antony was a true and valued friend to both my wife Kerry and I. I will never forget his offer to fly to Turkey to attend our wedding. He was always there when you needed him. A great man of the people, nothing was ever to much trouble for Antony. I will always remember our nights in the Ram. If he can hear me I have one thing to say to him: "Pink sling back wellies, mate."
Jack and Kerry Rogers
It has been so wonderful to read all the posted tributes. Most of all it warms my heart to hear that you all came to know the same Antony I knew and grew up with. Antony was only two years older than I and as children we spent many hours together talking and sharing our dreams for the future. It always amazed me that even from a very young age Antony always knew he was going to do great things and seemed to know exactly how he was going to get there! I admired - and always will admire - his level of confidence, strength, knowledge, and bravery. He was unique! I am so happy to hear that many many people loved and appreciated him as much as we (his family) did.
Charlotte (Maisey) Johnson, Antony's cousin
Antony Lillis was a great friend to me and to my wife Anne, and he will be sadly missed by both of us. I first met Antony when I got elected to the council in 1994. He was on the opposition benches for adult services and later for children’s services. Although we locked horns on numerous occasions politically, we never got personal. From 1994 until 2002 we both went to social services conferences together and if you knew Antony you will know that he was usually the last to leave the bar, and I was usually right there with him. One conference I had managed an early night and left all the usual suspects in the bar. Antony then proceeded to order rounds of White Russians and charge them to my room. When horrified at the amount of my drinks bill before checking out, I looked round to see Antony happily grinning at me, but with his wallet out ready to pay for the drinks, he had just wanted to see my face when I got the bill. A story that Antony loved to tell was of one Christmas when he and his partner in crime Josie Wicks were at our house for festive drinks. We embarked on a game of charades and Antony and Josie were acting out the old tv advert with the dog, cat and mouse in front of a roaring fire. They were both hugely over-acting the snuggling on the rug, when Josie’s husband Les awoke from a nap in the corner and loudly demanded to know what Antony was doing with his wife. The British Gas advert they said. That’s all right then said Les, and promptly fell back to sleep. You had to be there I suppose. We have lots of fond personal memories of Antony and also huge admiration for all the years he spent helping people in the borough. Everything he did, he did with enthusiasm, professionalism and compassion. He sat on many committees and was always on top of his brief. He has gone far too early and the town hall will be a much emptier place without him. Antony, we miss you lots.
Cllr Reg McLaughlin, H&F Councillor for College Park & Old Oak, and Anne McLaughlin
My cousin Antony was the funniest person I have ever known. When he used to come our house, my brother Ronnie and sisters Gemma and Sophie would sit and listen to his stories of when he went out or what he used to do. They were great and we could write a book about them. When my mum told us Antony was coming over to our house we would sit and wait for him. That was the only time my mum could keep us in the house. He was the best cousin you could ask for. When we were little he took us to the zoo and we drove him mad. I wanted to go and see the snakes and Gemma didn’t. I think we traumatised him a bit. Antony always called my little brother Bubba. I will miss seeing him in Hammersmith in some of the pubs, dancing away to all the music being played wearing his bumbag. He is a very special man to a lot of people and I am very honoured to be his cousin. He was close to my mum, nan and aunties and I know that they will miss him very much. I know he will be missed by all my family as he was such a character. We will carry on your memory forever. Love you Antony.
Nicola Lawrence
Antony was, and will always be, my number one boy. He was the funniest man to cross my path. I cannot believe he's not amongst us anymore. So, whenever I get to the Sally I will toast him with the biggest glass of Pinot. Gone, but never forgotten - you are so going to have one party. Love you always.
Annie and Brian
Antony was one of the first councillors to offer me help and advice when I was first elected to the Labour benches in 2006. He was really supportive of all the new, young councillors regardless of political party. He took his cabinet responsibilities really seriously and even when we disagreed (which we often did!) he would take time to listen to criticism and wasn't afraid to change his mind. Antony and I served together on the board of the Lyric, which he worked tirelessly to support, and he was particularly passionate about the fantastic work there with young people. He was also a lot of fun to be around, and I will miss him.
Cllr Lisa Nandy, H&F Councillor for Hammersmith Broadway
Antony was Fulham through and through. He reached out to people in a way that most politicians struggle to do, and was universally loved and respected by both his political allies and opponents, and, more importantly, by those with no political affiliation at all. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult and sad time.
Greg Hands MP
Antony was more interested in getting on with people, with the life of the community and what he could do to make a difference than with party politics.
Andrew Slaughter MP
On behalf of the Hammersmith and Fulham Community Law Centre I would like to express our sadness at the death of Antony Lillis at such an early age. He was a good and sincere public servant who inspired respect and affection across the political divide, and in particular throughout the voluntary sector community of which the Law Centre is a part. He was fair minded and conscientious in developing and carrying out Council policy in this area, whatever the difficulties that this involved. The Law Centre send their condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at this time, and express their gratitude for the contribution that Anthony made to the borough.
Mary Barwick, Management Committee Secretary, Hammersmith and Fulham Community Law Centre
As Antony's brother I would like to thank you all for your glowing tributes. Reading all these lovely messages has made me realise just how important my brother's contributions to the borough were and it makes me very proud. My family and I have taken great comfort from all your messages. Once more THANK YOU.
Richard Lillis
It was with a real sadness that I heard firstly of Antony’s illness and then of his death. Antony was a member of our school’s governing body and I also worked with him in my role as Chair of the Headteachers' Consultative in Hammersmith and Fulham. The tributes that I have read show Antony’s real and honest commitment to young people in the borough and in turn the impact that he had on many of those who work in both the voluntary and maintained sectors. Antony had an amazing capacity to hold many consecutive ideas in his head at one time and to see how all these different areas connected. I was so impressed by his ability to walk from a discussion with a parent at our school into a full council meeting and yet taking each one seriously and giving it his full attention. It is not always common for those in the “administration” of services to be well known, but Antony was well known and made an effort to be visible and available to all those he represented. For example he took the trouble to visit every school in the borough and within three years had visited each one. He had a unique perspective on what Hammersmith and Fulham had to offer children and their parents. Both personally and on behalf of the Headteachers in Hammersmith and Fulham I would like to thank Antony for his commitment and his honest and direct approach. We will miss his common sense and clear aspirations for children and young people and I am sure that due to his exceptional dedication his will be a position that will be hard to fill.
Michael Pettavel, Head of Randolph Beresford Early Years Centre and Chair of Headteachers' Consultative
We would like to add our thanks to Antony Lillis. He was a good friend to the WTRA we shall miss him. We appreciated what he did for us and the news of his death came as a terrible shock. Hammersmith and Fulham has lost a really good and kind man.
Mrs Renee Taylor and the Committee, Wormholt Estate Tenants' and Residents' Association
This news is just devastating and it’s hard to believe it’s really true, he was such a larger-than-life character. I worked with Antony at the Countryside Alliance for several years and my abiding memory of him will be the fun he brought to everything – you were always laughing when he was around and he had a wicked sense of humour. I will miss him hugely, and looking at the tributes to him on the website so will many, many people. Antony made a huge difference in H&F and was always so passionate about his work. He leaves a great legacy which is a real tribute to him, it’s just so tragic that he had so much more to do. My deepest sympathies to Antony’s family.
Jill Grieve, Head of Communications, Countryside Alliance
The sudden death of Cllr Antony Lillis has been received with shock and sadness among the refugee community of the borough, and the management committee members and staff of the Hammersmith and Fulham Refugee Forum. In his role as cabinet member with responsibility for community services it was Cllr Lillis who had contact with the refugee community organisations locally. One only had to witness the enthusiastic and heartfelt greetings he received from representatives of these organisations at events such as a Refugee Week Celebration, an annual meeting or an open day at Palingswick House to realise that he was liked and respected across the wide and diverse spectrum that makes up the community of this borough. Having read other tributes that have appeared since his death was announced it is clear that he engendered feelings of warmth and friendship across so many other organisations by presenting a caring face of the local authority, even at times when unpopular decisions had to be made. In a densely populated area with so many ethnicities represented by so large a number of organisations the role he performed so admirably will have contributed greatly to the racial and multicultural harmony that Hammersmith & Fulham has long enjoyed. For all these reasons, his contributions to local life will be greatly missed.
Emad Al-Hamadani, Co-ordinator, Hammersmith and Fulham Refugee Forum
Antony was a gentleman and a true friend. Words cannot express what he meant to me, my family and the sadness we now feel. He was a tremendous support when my mother (Josie Wicks), his friend and former "partner in crime", passed away earlier this year. He had a wicked sense of humour and would tell tales that would make your hair curl. He will be truly missed. We send our deepest sympathies to his family.
Alex Wicks
What can one say... Our paths crossed in a number of ways and on many occasions. Once whilst I was working with the Youth Offending Service on a trip to Fulham Football Club. He was there, as a fan but also to support vulnerable young people. More recently we met as members of the council's Educational Scrutiny Committee. We shared two things in common. We both enjoyed a pint after a meeting and we had/have a total passion for children and young people in this borough and the wish to improve their prospects and education. I am staggered at his untimely death and I will miss him and his total commitment. He had recently managed to visit every school in the borough, quite an achievement and something I am sure no-one else has managed to do. This is a great loss to the entire community of Hammersmith and Fulham.
Sue Fennimore, Parent Governor, H&F Council Education Scrutiny Committee
Like many others, we are shocked and saddened by the death of Antony Lillis. He was so dedicated to his work with the third sector and had an understanding of how it worked. He respected the work the third sector carried out within the borough, providing services to its residents. Antony was going to see the residents off on their Scottish holiday in September and he threatened to wear his kilt etc. We will be thinking about him.
Maureen Clark, from Rampage Holiday Project
I think I speak for all H&F Council staff that knew Cllr Lillis when I say that he will be hugely missed. I knew Antony for over 20 years. He never forgot a name and would often personally thank members of staff for the work they did for the council. He had a brilliant sense of humour, he was caring and really brave. The Town Hall won't be the same without him.
Helen Pinnington, H&F Council Events Manager
I have worked in the voluntary sector in the borough for 30 years and I can truthfully say that Antony was a "Champion" for the sector and for children of this borough. He was always willing to listen and hear the other side of the story, but not only did he listen, he treated each situation with compassion, understanding and a wealth of knowledge. Antony always had time for you and wanted to hear your opinion. You always felt he was genuine, he cared and what he said was not just 'lip service'. I truly respected him and I will miss his warm greetings, his humour and his Spanish sweeties! But most of all I will miss him - a true friend to everyone in the sector, he will be irreplaceable.
Jose Tsuchihashi, Branch Manager, H&F Pre-School Learning Alliance
Antony Lillis will be sadly missed in the Town Hall. He brought laughter into the Town Hall corridors and his genuine warmth was clear to all who met him. I first met Antony during the Broadway by-election when I was elected in 1992. He was already a councillor and gave me an insight into what it would be like. Relationships between the political parties on the Council are strained today, but it is no different to when the roles were reversed. Antony never allowed this to interfere with his dealings with members of the Labour Party. Indeed he was one of a small group of members who were often in the Town Hall during the day to sit on disciplinary hearings, benefit cases or licensing. These members got to know each other and they were able to overcome party politics. It is hard to imagine two more opposite characters than Antony and Josie Wicks and yet they often spent time together. It is a tragedy that we have lost both of them this year. One of Antony's great interests was River House and he was Chair of its Board. Antony had to steer big changes through as a result of funding changes. He was instrumental in purchasing the building from St Pauls Church Hall Trust which owned it. I was the Council- appointed Trustee and I saw at close hand how hard Antony worked to safeguard the future of River House. Those who attended the various River House events will know how Antony threw himself into the work of the charity and how his presence was an inspiration to everyone to enjoy the occasion. More recently he joined Mortlake Crematorium Board where Adronie Alford and I are the other Hammersmith and Fulham representatives. You may think these might not be the most inspiring local government meetings but again Antony was able to bring his personality to these meetings and make them enjoyable occasions. It can never be the same going to the Salutation without seeing Antony and hearing his laughter. It is so sad for us all but particularly for his family and friends.
Cllr Michael Cartwright, H&F Council Deputy Leader of the Labour Group
Until March this year I spent seven years as chairman of the Harbledown Road Residents' Association, which is in Town ward. I got to know Antony well through the association because he would stand in for Greg Hands (before he became an MP) or Greg Smith at our committee meetings. His contributions were always valuable and his follow-up faultless. He was a friend and great supporter of our association and often provided very prompt and helpful answers to questions that I put to him from time to time. He was a regular attendee at our summer and Christmas lunch parties and made many friends amongst our members. We will all miss him dreadfully and my wife and I would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family.
Peter Littlehales, Ex-Chair of Harbledown Road Residents' Association
I am Antony's uncle, and the tributes here make me feel very proud of him. I don't believe any of Antony's family even begin to understand the number of lives he touched, and the many, many people he helped. He was greatly loved by us all, and we shall miss him terribly, but these tributes help us realise we are not alone in our grief. Thank you to everyone for these wonderful messages of sympathy.
William Hills, Cross Keys Bookshop, Salisbury
Antony was a Hammersmith & Fulham councillor for nearly 20 years and devoted half his life to public service in the borough. He was born and brought up in Fulham and attended Langford Primary and Henry Compton schools. He was passionate about school standards, passionate about helping children in care, passionate about supporting the community and voluntary sector and the elderly. Antony was also a passionate Conservative who joined the Young Conservatives as a teenager. He believed that people should work hard and play by the rules. His philosophy was to promote the hand up rather than the handout. Yet in many ways Antony was above politics. He was loved by everybody across the Council and community. I told him on one of my hospital visits that he was irreplaceable and he will be sorely missed.
Cllr Stephen Greenhalgh, Leader of H&F Council
It is very sad that Cllr Antony Lillis has died. Cllr Lillis was elected to Hammersmith & Fulham Council in 1990. Despite political differences he developed friendships with many in the Labour Group and was respected for being on top of his brief. He fought his illness with courage and good-humour. Our thoughts and sympathies go to his mother and the rest of his family.
Cllr Stephen Cowan, H&F Council Leader of the Opposition
Like many people who have come into contact with Antony Lillis I was shocked and saddened by the loss of a young and vibrant person who, unusually for a politician, genuinely touched peoples' lives, regardless of his politics. I was particularly struck by this when I visited a Looked After Child in her foster placement last week where, pride of place on her mantelpiece, were two framed photographs of the foster carer and her husband receiving awards from Antony for their services to fostering. The foster carer had just learnt of Antony's death. She was clearly upset and told me how he had not just presented the award but spent a great deal of time talking to her and her husband about their fostering experiences. I think this was one of his greatest strengths - that he gave his time so unselfishly to the people of the borough and particularly to vulnerable children and adults. He will be greatly missed.
Andy Sutton, Project Manager, Treatment Foster Care
I was very sad and shocked to hear of Antony's untimely death. He was always a pleasure to be with - whether this was in a meeting, the pub or wherever. Amazingly we bumped into him twice in Hastings where we both had family connections. He was the same friendly guy. We both knew we differed politically but discussions were always courteous and enjoyable. Over the last 6 years we had many occasions when we talked over local Health issues and his commitment to those services was exemplary. The Council will sorely miss his wisdom and I hope his legacy will be its continuation of his commitment to local services.
Adrian Norridge, Ex-Chair of Hammersmith and Fulham Primary Care Trust
Our staff and trustees wish to express our deepest sorrow at the shocking and sudden death of Councillor Antony Lillis. We have worked closely with Antony Lillis over the 10 years we have been in existence. His commitment and support to the Voluntary Sector in Hammersmith & Fulham was deeply and widely appreciated by all at CaVSA and the many individuals, groups and organisations that worked with him. Antony’s willingness to meet and visit groups and his very hands on involvement in Voluntary Sector issues gave him unique insights enabling friendly challenge alongside his unstinting support for the Sector. As a Voluntary Sector champion, Councillor Antony Lillis was an inspiration. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
Peter Okali, CaVSA Hammersmith & Fulham Chief Executive
He worked very closely with us at HFUSC for a number of years on various projects and events, which enabled Children and Young People to publicise their views. He was very supportive of the work we do with schools and Young people and always chaired the annual Children's Parliament we organise. He was committed to the interests and well-being of Children and Young People, always seriously considering their ideas and giving them opportunities to express their opinions. The Young People we worked with found him very approachable and he gave an impression of being genuinely interested in them. We are very saddened to hear of the untimely death of Cllr Lillis and his fantastic contribution to our work will be very much missed.
Moya O'Hara, Director, Urban Studies Centre
Antony has been the council's Lead Member for Children's Services throughout the time of the current administration. This is a role defined in statute which confers enormous responsibilities on the post holder. He was quite simply outstanding in this role. For him, every child in Hammersmith & Fulham did matter. He provided the political leadership which meant that services were delivered which ensured that children were safer, healthier, better educated, had more opportunity to contribute to their community and were more likely to succeed in life – a remarkable achievement, although he was always very modest about the part he had to play. He was indefatigable in his pursuit of securing the best possible life chances for the most vulnerable children in the borough. He helped make the borough's schools some of the best in London with more and more of the borough's parents choosing these schools for their children. He played a lead role in building a strong and dynamic relationship between the school community and the local authority. Antony used his great inter-personal skills and enormous network to bring statutory agencies, voluntary organisarions and community groups together to work in the best interests of children and young people. He knew so many of the thousand or so staff working for the Children's Department. He was liked and respected. Antony's untimely death is a grievous loss for Children's Services. I and my colleagues will miss him terribly but we shall never forget his enormous contribution nor the difference he made.
Andrew Christie, H&F Council Director of Children’s Services
We greatly admired, liked and respected Antony for is commitment, energy and approachability.
Petrea Owens, from Albert and Friends Instant Circus
I’m saddened and like many others in total shock at the news of the death of Antony Lillis. Antony Lillis was a gentleman, who was dedicated to the role of which he was given within the Local Authority, and one he took very seriously, especially with the third sector. When and where possible he would support third sector groups/organisations with one off visits and attend community events – Antony gave a 110% and he must hold the record for the largest number of attendances in any one year compared to other councillors. Antony was the council's biggest asset touching thousands of people's lives and he has left a massive hole, which needs to be filled, and he has certainly given that person, whoever that may be, a massive task of filling it. Antony Lillis will be sadly missed by all that knew him, but not forgotten!
Lesley Schwartz, Sands End Associated Projects in Action
Antony has been the administration lead for Adult Social Care and the Voluntary Sector for the past three years but this was only a continuation of a long term interest and commitment to these services throughout his career as a councillor. In all these roles, Antony sought to improve the lives of residents needing support, championing changes to services which delivered greater independence, choice and control to older and disabled people. He was unstinting in the time he gave to meeting with people using our services either individually or in whole variety of forums including Better Government, the consultative committee, the sheltered accommodation panel and his own cabinet member panel. He listened and explained in terms which people found engaging. However, this serious commitment was always presented with such a light touch and was infused with his natural enthusiasm and good humour which engered such a deep fondness from staff, the public, colleagues across the whole spectrum of our community. His death is a cruel loss and will be deeply felt by all of us but his dedication leaves a substantial legacy for the community he served so well.
James Reilly, H&F Council Director of Community Services
Antony’s mother Sue and family have expressed the desire that any Memorial donations support the hospitals that gave Antony such excellent care.
Please make donation cheques payable to:
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
c/o Lyn Anthony
Room 225
Hammersmith Town Hall
King Street, London W6 9JU
