ONE of Bournemouth council’s most senior figures has died following a brave battle with cancer.

Geoff Turnbull, who had worked for the local authority for four decades, passed away at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital on December 12, aged 61.

Educated at Bradford University, he received a First Class Honours degree in Civil and Structural Engineering and was subsequently elected as a Chartered Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Geoff joined the council in July 1972 as part of his industrial training and returned in 1974, working initially in the beach and foreshore section.

He was involved in many major marine projects including the reconstruction and major repairs to Bourne-mouth pier.

In 1981 Geoff was appointed senior design engineer in the highways section where he was engaged in many highway improvement schemes.

He quickly progressed to several senior posts, becoming transportation manager and more recently major engineering developments manager.

Geoff was involved in many multi-million pound projects as well as several major replenishment schemes for the beach.

He also managed numerous major highway schemes and was involved in the redevelopment of the BIC and major planning applications including the Pavilion Gardens.

Many of these projects were controversial but benefitted from Geoff’s excellent knowledge, negotiating and presentation skills.

His exceptional council career was recognised when the widowed father-of-two won the Council’s Lifetime Award in 2011.

The council’s planning and transport service director Mike Holmes, said: “Geoff’s premature passing is a great loss and he will be sadly missed. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment said: “I’ve known and worked with Geoff Turnbull for over 20 years. He always delivered 100 per cent and was one of the most hard-working, respected and knowledgeable officers at the Town Hall.”

Transport portfolio holder Cllr Michael Filer said: “Geoff was a dedicated officer and also a good friend. Despite a bad diagnosis, he was determined to fight his cancer and very positive to the end.”

Members of the council’s planning board observed a minute’s silence in memory of Geoff.