Tributes have been paid to Gerry Ryan, the Selhurst councillor who lost his battle with cancer yesterday.

Mr Ryan, who turned 57 yesterday, had represented the Whitehorse Manor and Selhurst wards for more than 16 years.

He had lived in Croydon since 1975 when he moved here with his family and started a BT electromechanical apprenticeship.

He stayed with the company for all his working life and was always keen on apprenticeships and believed that all talents should be encouraged.

The father-of-two was a long-term member of the Labour Party and an active member of the Communication Workers Union.

He was first elected to Croydon Council in 1998 and was known as a massive Crystal Palace fan.

After that election he became cabinet member for highways, transport and public services.

While in that role, he oversaw the introduction of the domestic green box and recycling service, developed a programme of new street lighting in central Croydon, and brought in a taxi scheme to ensure safer weekend journeys home for people who had been out in the town centre.

Mr Ryan played a big part in community events, including fundraising for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust, helping to organise the South Asian Pongal Festival and community projects with his beloved Crystal Palace FC.

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He was also a board member of the Crystal Palace Supporters Trust.

In the 2010 general election he contested a closely fought contest for the Croydon Central constituency, narrowly losing out to Gavin Barwell by just under 3,000 votes.

When asked before the election, Mr Ryan said: “The best place to live in the borough is wherever my family is, after that, as close to Crystal Palace FC and worst is the furthest away from Crystal Palace FC.”

Croydon Council leader Councillor Tony Newman said: “Gerry’s passing marks a sad day for our borough.

“It was an honour and a pleasure to serve alongside a man who was a tireless worker for the people of Croydon and a passionate trade unionist and Labour man.

“He made a difference for the better to the lives of those he served.”

Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North said: “My thoughts are with Gerry’s family at this difficult time.

“They have lost a husband and a father and we have all lost a very good friend.

“Gerry was a rock of support to me personally and an outstanding councillor for Selhurst.

“He was in politics to help the people he represented and will be very sorely missed.”

The opposition leader on Croydon Council, Coun Tim Pollard, wrote: "On behalf of the Conservative group on Croydon Council I wanted to record our condolences to the family of Councillor Gerry Ryan, who passed away at the weekend after a lengthy battle with cancer.

"Gerry was a passionate supporter of Croydon and earned the respect of councillors from both sides and the residents of Croydon for his positive style. He was a thoroughly nice man and will be greatly missed.

"Our thoughts are with his family."

Labour’s candidate for the Croydon Central constituency this time round, Sarah Jones, wrote on Facebook: “Cllr Gerry Ryan spent his life fighting for the values and the people he believed in.

“He helped me so much during my selection as Labour candidate and was always there with advice and support.

“I will miss having him to turn to.

“And Croydon will miss a great man.

“Condolences to his family.”

And Mr Ryan’s 2010 election opponent Gavin Barwell tweeted: “V sad to hear of death of Gerry Ryan - passionate advocate for his residents & respected opponent. Thoughts with his family & @CroydonLabour.”

He leaves behind his wife Jackie and two sons, Lee and Dan.

A book of condolence has been opened for Coun Ryan in the foyer of the Town Hall.

The Town Hall is open between 8am and 10pm, Monday to Friday.