Tributes to Southampton councillor Terry Streets who has died suddenly

Terry Streets, who was elected for a second time to represent Bitterne ward on Southampton City Council in May this year, tragically died over the bank holiday weekend.

Cllr Streets, a Chief Officer at Red Funnel, has been remembered as a thoughtful man held in high regard by many.

Red Funnel is flying its flags at half mast as a mark of respect, as is the city council.

His friend and colleague, Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith, said his thoughts are with Cllr Streets' family.

Mr Smith said: “He was quiet, thoughtful and decent. He was dedicated to his family and the residents he represented on the City Council.

“He wasn’t terribly political which was a breath of fresh air at a time when our politics is too often confrontational and aggressive.

“Those who know me and knew Terry will understand why I held him in such high regard.

“I cannot imagine how his family and friends are coping but my thoughts are very much with them. Terry is at peace now."

Royston Smith MP, Chrissie Sattan and Cllr Terry Streets at Thornhill Youth Centre in 2019

A member of several committees on the council, Cllr Streets had also worked at Associated British Ports in Southampton as a marine officer.

The leader of the Conservative group in Southampton, Cllr Marley Guthrie, said: “It is with incredible sadness that we have learnt of Terry’s passing.

“The details are yet to be confirmed, nonetheless this is a deeply tragic and awful moment.

“Terry was a good man with a kind nature who was beloved by so many people.

“His dedication to his community is an example to us all and our thoughts are with Terry’s friends and family, he will be very sorely missed by us all.”

Cllr Streets joined ferry operator Red Funnel in 2007 as a customer advisor in the contact centre before then completing his training as a trainee deck hand.

Chief Executive Fran Collins said: "Terry was a fantastic, larger-than-life personality, forging many life-long friendships as he touched every department within the business.

"He was such a hardworking individual, who was always offering his help to other crew members and customers.

"He also played a big part in serving the wider community, and he will be sadly missed by the friends and colleagues who were fortunate enough to work with him.

"We offer our support and sincere condolences to Terry’s family and ask that we all support each other with kindness and patience during this time.

"Our flags have been flown at half-mast out of respect for Terry, his family and friends."

Red Funnel is flying its flags in Southampton at half-mast after the death of Chief Officer Terry Streets, a city councillor. Photo: Tom Hooker

READ NEXT: Southampton city councillor Terry Streets: London Marathon

Cllr Streets made headlines in the Echo last year when he swapped his usual shirt and jacket for running attire as he took on the London Marathon. He raised around £1,200 for charity.

Cllr Dan Fitzhenry, former city council leader, said he was a “very kind, warm, hugely popular and peaceful man who I and many others had the pleasure to work with”.

“This is such incredibly sad and heart-breaking news.

“His warmth and kindness will be deeply missed, and we send our deepest love, thoughts and prayers to his family at this time.”

Deputy leader of the Conservatives in Southampton, Cllr Jeremy Moulton added: “Terry was an absolutely lovely guy and I am desperately sorry for his young family.”

Cllr Satvir Kaur, Labour leader of the council, said she is "shocked and saddened".

She said: "Cllr Terry Streets was a thoroughly decent and nice man; liked and respected by all councillors and known for not only his work as a tireless champion for his ward, Bitterne, but his advocacy for many causes, including mental health. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends at this difficult time. 

"The council, and our city, are all poorer for this loss."

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook