Felixstowe Town Council has confirmed the sad death of a popular councillor, who had the drive and energy to keep doing good for his community. 

David Underwood only served as councillor for South Ward on Felixstowe Town council when he died on August 17, following a short illness. 

In that time, he won the respect and approval of his colleagues and many members of the community.  

The mayor of Felixstowe, Councillor Seamus Bennett, paid tribute to Cllr Underwood in a statement shared on the council’s website.  

He said: “David was an exceptional person – a man of great integrity and wisdom who had really immersed himself into the community since moving to Felixstowe with his beloved wife Wendy in 2020 – he had, for example, become a greatly valued and effective governor of Langer Primary Academy, his neighbourhood school.  

“David and Wendy previously lived in Godmanchester (near Huntingdon) where David had been a Councillor, as well as Mayor. When he moved to Felixstowe, he set about using this experience to work for and represent his local community, especially the Langer / Sea Road area. 

East Anglian Daily Times: David Underwood was a former mayor of Godmanchester, near Huntingdon. Pictured here in full regalia in 2021. Image: NewsquestDavid Underwood was a former mayor of Godmanchester, near Huntingdon. Pictured here in full regalia in 2021. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

East Anglian Daily Times: Cllr David Underwood was a serving member of Felixstowe Town Council. Image: Charlotte BondCllr David Underwood was a serving member of Felixstowe Town Council. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The mayor said: “In the May 2023 local elections, he campaigned harder than anyone I know, going door-to-door to get to know and listen to residents’ concerns.  

His hard work was rewarded with a seat on Felixstowe Town Council, representing South Ward.  

“In his two months as a member of the town council he gained wide respect for his understanding of the issues, his passion and his integrity. His attendance was exemplary until he became unwell, despite the challenge of being increasingly seriously visually impaired. He put himself forward to sit on several outside bodies, including Felixstowe Travel Watch, to advocate for those with visual and other impairments. 

“There was much more good David wanted and had the ideas and energy to do – his passing is a loss to us all, most especially Wendy and their family, including two young grandchildren, to whom I extend sincere condolences.” 

East Anglian Daily Times: David Underwood has been described as a man of great wisdom and integrity. David Underwood has been described as a man of great wisdom and integrity. (Image: Newsquest)