SILKSTONE parish councillor Andrew Browell has died at the age of 63.
He was the husband of the Rev Maureen Browell, vicar of Silkstone and Hoylandswaine.
Coun Browell was also a former waste management boss with Barnsley Council, bringing in the four-day collection cycle for dustbins and the wheelie bin system.
Rev Browell described her husband as ‘a natural extrovert who loved his family above all’.
“He was the best husband anyone could have had,” she said. “The cards and comments from people have been amazing.
“Andrew never quite believed the extent to which he was held in respect and affection by countless people of all ages whose paths he crossed.
“He will be greatly missed.”
Coun Browell was born in South Hylton, Sunderland, the oldest of two children.
He attended Bede College at Durham University and trained as a teacher. However when he qualified in 1976 teaching jobs were scarce so he returned to his holiday job of emptying dustbins for Sunderland Council. Luckily, he obtained a place on the council’s management training scheme and began his career in waste management.
In 1984, Coun Browell joined Barnsley Council as cleansing operations manager and in 2004 he was appointed as assistant director of waste management, heading up the council’s waste and recycling departments.
He took early retirement in 2007 following heart surgery.
He was married to Maureen for 33 years and they lived in Darton and Dodworth with their son David until 2008.
His retirement coincided with her ordination as an Anglican minister and the family moved to Almondbury in Huddersfield in 2008 when Rev Browell became vicar there. In 2012 they returned to the Barnsley borough when Rev Browell was appointed vicar of Silkstone and Hoylandswaine.
During his retirement, Coun Browell volunteered with Barnsley and Kirkwood Hospices and served as a trustee and later chairman of Huddersfield Crossroads, which became the Carers Trust.
He was elected as a regional representative on the England and UK Committees of the Carers Trust.
He was passionate about sport, especially football and golf. A lifelong Sunderland supporter, he was a season ticket holder most of his adult life, apart from a few seasons when he and his son had season tickets for Barnsley.
Coun Browell was also a keen golfer, joining Silkstone Golf Club in 1985. He was a single handicapper in his prime and served on the committee for many years. He was especially proud to be club captain in 1999.
Rev Browell said: “Andrew was a natural extrovert, relaxed in the company of others and made many friends. He enjoyed attending comedy and music gigs, theatre and sports events, but his greatest love was his family.”
Silkstone parish council chairman Meryl Liddell said: “Andrew was an active member of the council. He was very well liked and he will be much missed.”
The funeral is on Monday January 28 at 1.15pm at Silkstone parish church.
