A Rushmoor borough councillor of 22 years and soon-to-be Mayor has died after testing positive for COVID-19
Frank Rust, Labour councillor for North Town and an Aldershot resident, died in Frimley Park Hospital on Monday (March 30) after becoming "a victim of coronavirus ".
The 81-year-old had been serving as Deputy Mayor of Rushmoor Borough Council and had been due to take up a second term as full Mayor of Rushmoor Borough Council (RBC) starting in May – a role he previously had in 2003.
In a heartfelt statement on Facebook, RBC Labour leader and fellow North Town councillor Keith Dibble said he was “struggling to come to terms with the news”.
He added: “It with great sadness to inform you our good friend, neighbour and fellow North Town ward councillor Frank Rust passed away this evening in Frimley Park Hospital, a victim of the coronavirus.
“He served as Mayor of Rushmoor in 2003-04 and was due to have a second term of office as Mayor in the forthcoming municipal year. Frank was involved in many local and national organisations and was a highly popular and respected figure.
“He held many senior posts in the NHS, education, the Labour Party, town twinning, the local allotment society. Not forgetting his passion for the mighty THFC.
“But above all he was a good and loyal friend and will be sadly missed by so many people.”
RBC announced on March 2 that Mr Rust had been appointed as Mayor-elect following a council meeting on February 20.
He was first elected to the council in 1994 and served as a councillor for a total of 22 years. He said he was “very proud” and it was “a tremendous privilege” to have been appointed as the new Mayor.
Sir Gerald Howarth, who served as MP for Aldershot from 1997 to 2017, said following the death: "Frank Rust was a loyal servant of the people of Aldershot and the wider area with whom I was fortunate to enjoy an excellent relationship throughout my 20 years as the Member of Parliament.
"He worked tirelessly to support Connaught School when he was Chairman of Governors and was a keen supporter of 413 (Aldershot) Air Cadets.
"Frank was an assiduous councillor and good company, with a fine sense of humour. It is very sad that Rushmoor will be denied his service as Mayor, a role he fulfilled with distinction over 15 years ago and was set to resume in a few weeks' time. My wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to Carol and the family. He will be greatly missed."
Residents in the area have also been posting tributes to the popular councillor on social media.
Hashim Hassan said: “So very, very sorry to read this news. Shocked this has happened and so quickly. So sorry for the family of a truly lovely gentleman who had the full respect of everyone who knew him. Lost for words. RIP Frank.”
Glenda Hayes added: “So sorry to hear this, great memories of both Frank and Carol from my time as a school governor. Thinking of the family at this sad time RIP Frank.”
