Tributes paid following the death of long-standing Sheffield councillor

Coun Rippon, aged 77, had served the city for almost 20 years, representing both Shiregreen and Richmond wards as a Labour councillor, and was known for being supportive, kind and warm.

He was a former Lord Mayor but tragically, his wife Sue was diagnosed with cancer during his year of office and died shortly after in 2016.

He leaves four children, Simon, Tim, Liam and Sarah, seven grandchildren and a great grandchild who was born just a couple of months ago.

Tim, a former Sheffield councillor and Cabinet member, said the family was so proud of his dad.

“He devoted his whole life to helping people. Along with being a councillor, he worked as a welfare rights officer, with youth clubs and helped so many people. As a family we are incredibly proud of him.”

Council Leader Julie Dore paid tribute to her “close and very dear friend”.

“He has been a wonderful colleague as a councillor and I will miss him terribly, both professionally and personally.

“Sheffield is a better place because of Pete, he was co-chairman of the planning board and helped to create a great city for people to live, work and enjoy.

“If we had more Pete Rippons the world would be a much better place. He was a caring, loving family man who will be sorely missed.

“My memories of him are bouncing down the corridor, giving me the thumbs up, because he was always full of the joys of spring. He was always there with kind and supportive words and was one of those people who would lift you up.

“Pete and Sue were an inseparable couple with a loving, close family. He is at peace now with Sue.”

Coun Rippon was diagnosed with motor neurone disease only a few weeks ago and died with family at his side on Sunday. It was unrelated to Covid.

A number of political figures in Sheffield have also paid tribute to Peter on Twitter.

Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis said: “Very sorry to see this. Peter will be fondly remembered as a warm, decent and kind man, who was a wonderful servant of Sheffield. He will be greatly missed. My condolences go to his family at this very difficult time. RIP.”

Liberal Democrat peer Paul Scriven added: “Very sad to read this. Peter might have been a political opponent but personally I will remember him as a warm , funny charming person who I enjoyed interesting chats and a mutual fun of pulling each others leg over our politics. Rest well Peter.”

A virtual book of remembrance will be opened and the Town Hall flag will be flown at half mast today.

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