Late councillor was ‘passionate’ about Haverhill

The funeral takes place today (Thursday) of the late Haverhill town and St Edmundsbury Borough councillor Paul McManus - a man who was ‘passionate’ about his adopted town.

The service takes place at 1pm at St Felix Roman Catholic Church in Princess Way, where a Book of Condolence has also been opened to allow the many who knew him to write a few words.

Paul was born in Northern Ireland but had called Haverhill his home for 40 years.

He died at his home on June 10 after a 12 month fight with pancreatic cancer aged 68.

He served on the town council for eight years, stepping down in 2011 before going on to become a borough councillor for Haverhill North for the next four years.

Paul was also well known for his many years of driving for the Three Counties Community Transport service in Haverhill, a job he took on after ending a long career working as an engineer in the chemical industry and one that led him to train to become a driving instructor and assessor.

His widow Elaine, a two-time former Mayor of Haverhill, cared for him in his final days at home.

She said: “He was passionate about Haverhill. You couldn’t find anyone more passionate about Haverhill.

“Although he was born in Ireland, Haverhill was his home. He always said Haverhill gave him a good life and that’s why he was always happy here.

“Even if he told you what he thought of you, he would still shake you by the hand at the end of the day. He was still a gentleman.

“I know he will be well remembered. At the last count I’ve got 137 condolence cards, so that tells you all you need to know.”

Paul has two sons from his marriage to Elaine - Kevin and Kieran - and two sons from his previous marriage, Darren and Paul Jr. All four will carry their dad’s coffin at the funeral. He also has six grandchildren, four of them in Northern Ireland.

Paul was also a highly respected member of the Conservative Association in Suffolk for 30 years, and his friend and fellow branch member, Margaret Marks, paid tribute to him.

She said: “Paul’s commitment to the Conservative Party endured to the very end of his life. Despite knowing that he was life-limited, he continued actively to campaign for the May 2015 Election.

“It was Paul’s greatest desire to see the Conservative Party returned to full power and we are pleased that he achieved that aim.”