Slough Borough Council regrets to announce the death of former councillor and Mayor of the town, Satpal Singh Parmar. Satpal passed away on Friday (26 September), aged 89.
Born and educated to a master’s degree in the Punjab, Satpal came to Slough via Canada, arriving in the early 60s, where a Food Graduates Degree gained in Canada landed him with a job at the Mother’s Pride Bakery near Heathrow.
In 1979 he moved to the Royal Mail depot in Slough and inspired by his master’s degree in political science and the MP Lord Fenner Brockway, became involved in local politics.
He was elected to Slough Borough Council in 1995 and in his early years as a councillor served Chalvey and Stoke Wards.
He was elected as the Mayor of Slough for the municipal year 2002/3; launching his Mayoral year just days later, meeting and accompanying Her Majesty, The Queen on her visit to Slough to launch her Golden Jubilee celebrations and BBC Music Live.
In 2004 he was elected in Cippenham ward, winning numerous elections until he left the council in 2023.
Satpal was passionate about Slough’s parks and environment and was chosen to be the Cabinet member for Environment and Open Spaces in 2008 holding the post for eight years.
He held many other roles during his time as a councillor including periods as chair of the licensing committee, vice-chair of scrutiny panels and chair of the Thames Valley Athletics Centre Trust.
Leader of the council, councillor Dexter Smith, said: “I have very fond memories of Satpal, his dignity and integrity.
“For his last few years as a councillor, he was the ‘Father of the House’ the longest serving and oldest member of the council and his dedication to the council and the town never wavered.
“Satpal was quietly spoken but always worth listening to. He will be missed, and my thoughts and that of the whole council are with his family and friends.”
Will Tuckley, chief executive, said: “Though I never had the pleasure of knowing councillor Parmar personally, it is clear from the stories I have been told that he was a man of principle; quiet, steadfast and honourable. A role model for those who came after him.
“My condolences are with everyone who worked with him and served with him as well as his loved ones.”