Flags are flying at half-mast in H&F in tribute to former council leader Barrie Stead, who passed away on Monday 18 March.
Barrie served as the Leader of H&F Council from 1973 to 1978. He was awarded Freedom of the Borough in May last year for his tireless service to the community.
Throughout his life, he was a dedicated public servant. He was an outspoken advocate for public involvement in decision-making.
Barrie was also deeply dedicated to the borough’s cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. He helped found Riverside Studios, rebuild the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith, and acquire Fulham Palace.
After stepping down from the Council, Barrie later went on to found Age Concern, now Age UK, a charity which offers vital services to older people and their carers.
From 1980 to 1990, Barrie served as Chair of Governors at Fulham Cross School. He was Chair of the Schools Committee of the Inner London Education Authority from 1983 to 1988. Then from 1986 to 1990, he was the Labour Member of the directly elected Inner London Education Authority. Barrie was also the Labour Member of the Greater London Council for Fulham from 1981 to 1986.
Cllr Stephen Cowan, H&F’s Leader, said “Barrie was an inspirational role model. He was also one of the sweetest, kindest and wisest people I ever met. I bumped into him just last week. It was typical that he was cheerily volunteering on a local project. Barrie’s legacy is remarkable. He spent his life striving to make other people’s lives better, right to the end, and he succeeded. Barrie was rightly loved by many. I will miss him.”
Barrie was married to Millie Bowerman-Stead for 52 years. Millie was an international concert pianist and author of the Gulbenkian report on the arts in Ireland. Millie passed away in January. They had met through their involvement in the Greater London Arts Association. Together they shared a life-long passion for ensuring access to the arts for everyone.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Barrie and Millie’s family and all their many loved ones.
