Deaths in Hexham and Tynedale, Northumberland in 2023

1 Eileen Charlton of Haydon Bridge, the village's most prominent bypass campaigner, died in hospital from pneumonia on January 2. Eileen was described by her family as "kind-hearted, determined, thoughtful and committed in everything she did," and played a huge role in many aspects of life in Haydon Bridge.

Eileen Charlton of Haydon Bridge, who died in January (Image: Family of Eileen Charlton)

Eileen made a huge contribution to the community in her spare time and served on the Haydon Bridge Parish Council for 32 years.

2 Elizabeth Robson, a Hexham businesswoman, died on December 31 after a long illness. Elizabeth became the managing director of her family's firm Robson Builders, and was awarded an OBE in 2008 for services to the construction industry.

Elizabeth Robson (Image: Family of Elizabeth Robson)

She joined the Federation of Master Builders and was the first female to hold the office of president of the association for the Northern Counties. She was described by her partner Julie as being "very liked by her many friends and was always happy to help and support when she could."

3 Renowned Tyne Valley artist Sue Moffitt died peacefully on February 4 after a long battle with cancer. She met her late husband Roy Sturgeon in the 1990s, and he helped to run Sue’s award-winning art gallery on the farm, where she curated a series of successful exhibitions featuring her own and other artists’ work.  

Sue Moffitt at work in her studio in summer 2022 (Image: Kevin Gibson, KG Photography)

Her daughter Lucy Hick said: "She was a wonderful mum and an amazing grandmother, and it is almost impossible to imagine life without her."

4 Edward Howard Taylor, from Prudhoe, was an active member of Prudhoe Gleemen Male Voice Choir for 79 years, joining as its youngest member aged 18 and becoming the group's most senior member at 97 before his death in early March.

Howard Taylor receiving a commendation for 75 years dedicated service to Prudhoe Gleemen MVC from choir president Brian Japes (Image: Pete Barrett)

Male voice choirs often refer to their choristers as 'brothers', but Howard became well respected as the 'father of the choir.' Having entered and won baritone classes at Ryton and District Music Festival in the 1950s, Howard sat on the festival committee for 64 years and served as secretary for 40 years. He was also made a vice president.

5 Hexham orthopaedic surgeon Kevin Walsh died on June 1 after a long battle with cancer. His son David said: "Dad was the most incredible husband, father and grandfather; a constant source of love and sage advice, interspersed with moments of madness and slapstick comedy."

Kevin Walsh (Image: David Walsh)

He said Kevin dedicated his career to 'caring for people in Hexham and beyond, and seemed to be known by everyone for the various bones and joints he’d fixed, fused and replaced over the years'.

6 Former Prudhoe mayor Doreen Elwell died on July 13 at home with her husband Malcolm, daughter Clare and granddaughter Hollie after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020.

Doreen Elwell with her daughter Clare (Image: Malcolm Elwell)

Malcolm said: "She was very approachable and had lots of friends. She was very interested in people and the community."

Doreen became the mayor of Prudhoe in 1989 and served two terms as chair of the former Tynedale District Council, serving 27 years on both councils.

7 Retired doctor Mihir Kanti Nandy died on August 5. His daughter Rachel said: "Dad was an incredibly dedicated and hard-working doctor who treated every patient he saw with the utmost respect and humanity. All of his patients remembered him fondly, his kindness and friendly, caring smile." 

Dr Mihir Kanti Nandy (Image: Rachel Nandy)

Post-retirement, Mihir volunteered for more than 20 years at Hexham's Oxfam shops and enjoyed supporting his church family. Mihir had an extremely strong faith in God which supported him through his many life changes and challenges and his MND diagnosis earlier this year.

8 Haltwhistle town councillor Margaret Forrest died on August 22. She was described as a 'great campaigner who wanted to help improve life for the residents of Haltwhistle'.

Haltwhistle's long-standing councillor Margaret Forrest (Image: Haltwhistle Town Council)

Margaret was first elected to Haltwhistle Town Council in 1999 and served on the council for nearly 25 years.

9 The much-loved artist and former Hexham town councillor Colin Moss, died in November. His daughter Helen said: "Dad was well known in Hexham, as he always welcomed people into the house both socially and to sell work. 

Former Hexham town councillor and artist Colin Moss (Image: Family of Colin Moss)

"One thing many people comment on in their memories of him was his ability to talk about almost anything with knowledge and his generosity." 

10 Queen Elizabeth High School's former deputy headteacher, Neil Morrison, died in October. He maintained an interest in Hexham following his retirement and also contributed to the community as a trustee of Hexham Youth Initiative.

Former deputy head teacher Neil Morrison (Image: QEHS)

Graeme Atkins, executive headteacher at Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School, said: "Neil was a highly respected leader and a thoroughly nice person and is remembered fondly."