TRIBUTES have been paid to a “fuller than life” former Barry council leader who has died.

Theo Stenstrom, who represented Court ward, served as a Barry Town Council (BTC) mayor and deputy mayor and was also the council’s leader.

Mr Stenstrom was also a a GMB Union representative at Aberthaw Power Station for 35 years.

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Vale council leader, and Labour colleague, Cllr Neil Moore said: “Theo was a friend of mine and long standing Labour party member, who served with honour on the Barry Town Council, where he held the offices of leader of the council as well as being mayor and deputy mayor of the town.

“He took his duties seriously - he knew everyone and was someone you could talk to.

“He was a man of the people and will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him.

“Theo was also dedicated and life-long trade unionist, who worked tirelessly to improve the working conditions of his members.

“He was a long-time member of the Barry Trades Council and worked for many years at Abertawe Power Station.”

Cllr Moore added: “You always knew when you were in Theo’s company as he was always fuller than life.

“He always had something to talk to me about, but we always had a laugh at the end of it.

“But, saying that Theo was also a quiet family man too and my deepest sympathy goes out to his wife Sarah and the family.

“I will miss Theo and certainly missed him on Sunday at the Remembrance Day Service in Barry, as he was someone who always attended.

“I will also miss our numerous telephone conversations.

“It’s a sad day for those who knew him and the people of Barry, he so very much loved.”

BTC leader, Cllr Bronwen Brooks said: "Cllr Theo Stenstrom was a friend and fellow councillor in Court ward as well as the mayor and former leader of Barry Town Council.

"Theo helped to guide me when I was first elected as a councillor and under his wing I gained a huge amount of experience, which has helped me immensely in my role as the current leader of Barry Town Council.

"He will be sadly missed and has left a lasting legacy around the town thanks to the dedication he always gave to the role of councillor."

Former councillor and FocusBARRY member, Dennis Harkus said: "He was proud of his role as an active trade unionist; as a Town councillor for the Court ward; proud when talking to local people about town affairs; determined that Cemetery Approach should be saved as open space for the community, and proud of his time as the leader of Barry Town Council and as the Town Mayor.

"He was a friend who could be relied upon when help was needed and he very much enjoyed keeping up to date with what was happening locally and his regular daily morning chats with his friends at Victoria Park."

BTC Plaid opposition leader, Cllr Shirley Hodges said: “I am very sad to hear the news Theo has died.

“He was very passionate about Barry Town Council and dedicated a lot of his time in supporting it.

“I admired his debating prowess, loyalty to his party and union work.

“My sympathies to his family.”