It is with great sadness that Guildford Liberal Democrats announce the death of our friend and colleague, Tom Sharp.
Tom Sharp CBE: 19th June 1931 to 20th August 2021
Following the news Cllr David Goodwin responded on behalf of Guildford Borough Council's Liberal Democrat group saying:
"My overriding memory of Tom was his belief in and commitment to the Liberal Democrats both locally and nationally. He was a true liberal and this extended through to his work with residents and fellow councillors (from all sides) - balanced, hard-working and fair. So, it was a real honour to take over from him on both the Borough and County Councils.
"With his wife Margaret, Baroness Sharp (an equally avid Lib Dem member who served in the Lords and fought the Guildford parliamentary seat between 1983 and 1997), they generously opened their home to Guildford Liberal Democrats - as both the local party office and for their legendary fundraising dinners. They were real cornerstones of the local party, always helping at events alongside their councillor and other community work.
"Tom supported so many councillors and candidates past and present in their elections - not only with his words of wisdom but also delivering election leaflets right across our constituency. He knew it inside out and impressed us all with his tenacity & fitness to deliver so many of them well into his 80s!"
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Your memories and condolences
From Caroline Reeves, former Guildford Borough Councillor for Friary & St Nicolas, Council Leader and Group Leader
"It was Tom Sharp's smiling face that first introduced me to the Lib Dems when I moved to Guildford. He was always engaging and helpful when he knocked on my door as one of my ward councillors, always followed up on any issues and was obviously an important part of the local community. As I got to know Tom better I realised that he was always ready to do one more delivery, take on one more challenge. And this was as well as supporting his wife, Margaret and being a key part of the Guildford Lib Dem Executive. For many years Tom was one of a few who were the mainstay of the Guildford Lib Dems, his charm and humour will be sorely missed."
From Margaret Westwood
Tom was a lovely man - easy to work with, wry sense of humour, loved people and plants. When he held the dual roles of both County Councillor and Borough Councillor his contributions to Holy Trinity Focus (which I was editing at the time) were always prepared with great care to ensure the message was clear. However there were occasions when he got a bit over excited and the punctuation went haywire. I once teased him that his current piece resembled a stream of consciousness worthy of James Joyce - to which he responded with "better than a stream of unconsciousness". He worked unstintingly for the Lib Dems and always had "people" in the forefront of his mind. He was a kind and generous friend to my late husband. Everyone who knew him will share happy memories of him.
From Philip Goldenberg
Tom and Margaret have been friends and colleagues for some 40 years - effectively since the creation of the Liberal/SDP Alliance in 1981. In addition, I remain eternally grateful to Tom for his help with Surrey County Council in relation to our late son Jonathan's Special Educational Needs. One gentle, but extraordinarily well-targeted, letter cut a Gordian knot at a single stroke. Requiescat in pace.
From Dale and Paul Miller
Dear Margaret We were so sorry to hear that Tom had passed away. We only knew him briefly as someone who welcomed us into your home at election times, but he was always friendly and helpful towards us. Deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your life partner. Dale and Paul Miller
From Dinah Bisdee
I moved to Guildford in 2004 and I first met Tom and Margaret when leafleting/ campaigning for Sue Doughty in the 2005 election. He was always very friendly and welcoming, and full of energy, putting some younger members to shame! Condolences to Margaret, and RIP Tom.
From Ellen Gibson Horrocks
A great loss for Guildford and national Liberal Democracy. A wonderful man. I send my condolences to his family.
From Lissy (Melissa Mahama, Tamsy's daughter)
When I was growing up in Guildford the Liberal Democrats were working passionately for a better town, county, and world. I took it for granted that there were people like Tom, clever and caring, that would make good decisions for the right reasons. I now know I was lucky growing up with a safe feeling like that. I will always remember Tom and am grateful for all that he did. Love to Margaret.
From Martin Dowland
Very sad to learn of Tom's passing. He was in my memory a thoroughly sincere person and appeared driven by good intentions with absolute integrity. If only there could be more like him, I am sure the world would be a better place.
From Louise Jones
Tom was such a kind gentleman with a wonderful sense of humour. He was so kind to me and supportive to us in Cranleigh.
From Anne Lee
So many happy memories of time spent walking, delivering and talking with Tom. Thank you Tom.