TRIBUTES have poured in following the sudden death of Deputy Mayor of Bury, Councillor John Byrne, at the age of 73.

Cllr Byrne, of Rochdale Old Road, Bury, was a representative of East ward and had represented Labour at Bury Town Hall since 1984.

He collapsed in Bury town centre on December 28 and died shortly afterwards in hospital, though the exact cause of death is not yet known.

He leaves his wife Brenda and four sons, Michael, Anthony, Andrew and Neil.

Friends and council colleagues have paid moving tributes to Cllr Byrne, a former leader of the council who also served as mayor of Bury between May 2010 and April 2011.Bury Council leader, Cllr Mike Connolly, said: “I’m stunned. He called me at around 9am last Wednesday and we arranged to go leafleting at noon.

“When I got there, his son rang my colleague to tell us he had had a fall in Marks and Spencer and that he had died.”

He added: “I’ve known John for more than 40 years — long before either of us were on the council — and he will be massively missed. Our thoughts go to Brenda and his family.

“He has been an absolutely amazing servant to this borough. His contribution to life in this town is immeasurable. He has been the leader of the council twice, the deputy leader and the mayor.”

Former Bury Council chief executive Dennis Taylor said: “I was privileged to work with him for 25 years. We have remained dear friends for the last decade.”

Bury South MP Ivan Lewis said: “We frequently disagreed, but no-one can deny the public service of John Byrne — Mr Bury. Our thoughts are with Brenda.”

During his working life, Cllr Byrne was a school teacher specialising in French.

He taught at Queen Elizabeth School in Middleton, Redbrook Middle School in Rochdale and Hattersley High School in Hyde.

An enthusiastic sportsman, Cllr Byrne was a talented cricketer, a follower of Bury FC and a referee at semi-professional level.

The 3,095 fans attending Bury’s game at Gigg Lane on Monday observed a minute’s silence in his memory.

Cllr Byrne was also on the board of NHS Bury and chairman of Bolton and Bury Groundwork Trust.

On behalf of Bury Conservative Party, Cllr Ian Bevan, said: “We’re all very sorry to hear about his death.

“John was a good spokesman for the Labour Party and always very committed to the Labour cause.

“Whatever he did he always put the people of Bury first.”

Hilda Harvey, former chairman of NHS Bury, said: “Apart from the tremendous contribution that he made to the political life of Bury, he gave many years loyal service to furthering the development and organisation of health services at local level, “His passing will leave an enormous gap in the life and vibrancy of our town.”

Peter Redstone, a former Conservative councillor and currently a UKIP campaigner, said: “He was a formidable political opponent and an eloquent and vociferous debater within the Bury Council chamber.

“He was a kind man who supported those less fortunate than himself and always had a smile and a handshake even for those who may not have always been supportive of his politics.

“His death leaves a huge gap in all of our lives, he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him, he leaves behind a good name.”

Elton councillor James Frith said: “He was my mentor in the short time I’ve served as a councillor in Bury and a man of substance and instinctive Labour politics. Rest in peace.”

Redvales councillor Tamoor Tariq said: “He was a good friend and respected colleague, a man of great substance and character and served Bury well.”

Former Liberal Democrat councillor, Richard Baum, said: “He was a fine servant of Bury. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Rest in peace.”

Radcliffe East councillor Matt Bailey said: “Rest in peace John Byrne. A true comrade, friend and public servant.”

Author and politics blogger Tom Scholes-Fogg said: “I’m shocked to hear Cllr John Byrne has passed away. He'll be missed.”

Bury Labour campaigner Kevin Peel said: “He was a dedicated public servant who will be sorely missed.”

Funeral details have not yet been confirmed.

* Cllr Byrne would have been due to stand for re-election this year. It is understood his seat will remain unoccupied until then, averting the need for a by-election.