ANDREW was a former head of planning at Bournemouth Borough Council, who was respected for his quiet, professional approach and strong work ethic.

A devoted family man with a passion for music, Andrew sadly died on October 1 following a four-year battle with cancer. He was just 68 years old and leaves his wife of 42 years Valerie, daughters Natasha and Alexis and five grandchildren.

Andrew obtained a postgraduate MSc in town and country planning and began his professional work in Liverpool, where he met and married his wife Valerie.

Promotions took them to Cardiff, Bridlington and finally Bournemouth where he worked for 20 years and eventually became head of planning.

He was involved in many major developments, including Castlepoint and the Central Library, and was involved in planning policy decisions in relation to both local plans and regional plans which shaped the future of Bournemouth and south east Dorset.

He was known for his honesty, integrity, loyalty and work ethic and was highly respected by colleagues, politicians and the media.

Cllr Ron Whittaker, who was a member of the planning board when Andrew was head of planning, said: “He was a very quiet man but very articulate, you couldn’t ask for a better planning officer.

If you had a problem he would sort it out and he always gave sound advice. He was very well thought of.”

And former colleague John Hiscock said: “Andrew was an exceptional boss and a great support to his staff. He was a very serious, focused, professional man but occasionally, often in private meetings, there were flashes of great humour that made him even more likeable.”

A devout Christian, Andrew held positions of responsibility and leadership in the churches where he was a member and he was also a governor at Bournemouth School for Girls and Bethany CE primary schools.

His prime interest was his love and passion for music and wherever he lived he was to be found singing in church or secular choirs.

He and Valerie had been living in Spain for 10 years, where he sang in three choirs and was a founder member of Vivace Choir. The couple were joint leaders of the Veja Baja garden club for eight years and he was treasurer of the choir, auditor for a community of holiday homes and Elder of his local Spanish church.

A memorial service will be held in Bournemouth in November to celebrate his life.