December 7, 2016 5.57 pm This story is over 86 months old

‘Generous and loving’ wife of Lincoln council leader loses battle with cancer

The wife of City of Lincoln Council leader Ric Metcalfe and a former Labour county councillor Pat Metcalfe has sadly died following a long-fought battle with cancer. Pat, who sat on Lincolnshire County Council from 1983 to 2001, passed away this week, aged 71. During her career she was also chairman of education and played…

The wife of City of Lincoln Council leader Ric Metcalfe and a former Labour county councillor Pat Metcalfe has sadly died following a long-fought battle with cancer.

Pat, who sat on Lincolnshire County Council from 1983 to 2001, passed away this week, aged 71.

During her career she was also chairman of education and played a significant role in the opening of the University of Lincoln.

She had a daughter Rachelle and a son Paul, as well as grandchildren Daniel and Sean.

City of Lincoln Council Leader, Councillor Ric Metcalfe

City of Lincoln Council Leader, Councillor Ric Metcalfe

In tribute to his wife, council leader Ric Metcalfe said the pair met as “rebellious teenagers”, with dreams of “changing the world together”.

They married when Pat was 18 after she attended Harrogate Art College and together, the pair joined peace movements in the early 60s.

Ric said she spend much of her adult life bringing up their children and was a champion for equality to women.

He added that, “on the left of the Labour party”, she retained her loyalty through difficult years.

She also undertook voluntary work including work in the youth service in the East End of London. On moving to Lincolnshire, she became director of the Lincoln branch of The Samaritans in the 1980s.

The Lincoln Labour Party said in a statement on Facebook: “So sad to hear that Patsy Metcalfe has passed away. Deepest condolences to Ric and his family. RIP Patsy.”

Lincolnshire County Council Leader Martin Hill.

Lincolnshire County Council Leader Martin Hill.

Leader of Lincolnshire County Council Martin Hill has also paid tribute to the former councillor: “I was saddened to hear of Pat Metcalfe’s death. Pat was elected to the county council in 1984 and represented people in the Lincoln Minster electoral area until she retired in May 2001.

“Between 1993 and 1997, she was Chair of the Education committee and was well-liked and respected at the council. I remember her as a passionate champion of children and the disadvantaged.”