County Hall Pays Tribute To Much-Loved Former Councillor John Howe

(c) On The Wight/IWC

County Hall has paid warm tribute to former Isle of Wight councillor John Howe, who has recently passed away.

Described during last night’s full council meeting as “a big man with a big laugh and an even bigger heart,” Mr Howe was remembered for his long-standing service to the Island.

John Howe represented Totland on the Isle of Wight Council from 2001 to 2021, serving on committees including planning, licensing and the children and young people’s scrutiny panel.

Current Totland and Colwell councillor Chris Jarman, a close friend, paid an emotional tribute.

He said:

“It’s with great sadness that I report the passing of my predecessor and great friend John Howe.

"Born on the Island in 1942, John was a Totland parish councillor for over 50 years and an Isle of Wight councillor for over 20. He was my proposer and mentor.

“Many will recall his dedication to helping Totland bloom, his passion for protecting Totland Pier, and his support for local facilities and businesses.

"No one could have done more for the wellbeing of Totland residents.”

Cllr Jarman added that Mr Howe was known as someone who would “quietly step in” whenever help was needed.

Further tributes followed, including from Cllr Matthew Price, who recalled Mr Howe as “very welcoming” when he joined the council in 2013.

He described fond memories of long days spent together visiting planning sites, calling Mr Howe “a really lovely man.”

Liberal Democrat group leader and deputy council leader Cllr Andrew Garratt also paid tribute, noting that while Mr Howe eventually left the party to sit as an independent, “he never left his liberalism” and served the Island “immensely well.”