NEWTON Abbot said farewell to its first ever Honorary Freeman, Henry Cole, on Tuesday
His funeral service was held at The Avenue Church, Newton Abbot, followed by cremation.
As a final tribute a lone piper playing a series of Scottish laments lead the cortège up through Queen Street where many residents gathered to pay their respects.
The piper was followed by members of Newton Abbot’s Royal Britsh Legion bearing the branch’s own standard and that of the Gloucestershire Regiment, with whom Henry had served with in Korea.
A true civic champion, the former mayor was a familiar face around town, often seen greeting coach visitors from the seat of his flag-bedecked mobility scooter.
He rarely missed any of Newton Abbot’s community events and was responsible for initiating the Courtenay Park band concerts during his mayoral term of office from 2000 to 2001.
Mr Cole, a former serviceman and supporter of the Poppy Appeal, served as town councillor for the Buckland Ward from 1993 until poor health forced him to quit in 2011. He was appointed deputy mayor in 1999 and mayor a year later.
During his 18 years on the council he sat on several committees, chairing the Environment Committee from 1995 - 1997.
He represented the town on the Council for the Protection of Rural England and the Devon Association of Parish Councils.
In 2011 Mr Cole was made the town’s first ever Honorary Freeman in recognition of his contributions.
Although no longer entitled to vote at town council meetings, Mr Cole attended frequently and was given his own seat of honour.
Mr Cole died in hospital on August 11 having suffered a stroke.
Newton Abbot Mayor Cllr Mike Joyce paid tribute saying: ‘There are very few people who have given as much to our town as Henry.
‘His was a life well-lived and we are so thankful for all he did.’