Toowoomba's Ian Orford dies after shock collapse
- Nikii Joyce
- 6th October 2008
Toowoomba Councilllor Ian Orford.
TOOWOOMBA Regional Councillor Ian Orford, 67, died yesterday, two days after a shock collapse at the family home.
Details of the sudden and unexpected passing of one of the region's hardest-working leaders were not forthcoming last night, only it followed a serious health episode at the Orford's Cotswold Hills home on Friday night.
Cr Orford's shock death has stunned his council colleagues and friends, many of whom were too devastated by the news to comment.
The popular no-nonsense councillor and businessman, whose star rose after being elected to Jondaryan Shire Council in 2002, had been on life support at St Vincent's Hospital. He died at 11am yesterday.
Cr Orford had been taken into intensive care shortly after his arrival at hospital on Friday night.
No further details were known.
Cr Orford's wife Maureen and their children Corby, Liam and Dean and their respective families are reportedly devastated.
Confirmation of Cr Orford's tragic death was made yesterday by the man he had worked side-by-side with for the last six years, starting at the old Jondaryan shire council, Toowoomba Regional mayor Peter Taylor.
"Myself and members of the council team are shocked at the sudden death and passing of Cr Orford," Cr Taylor said yesterday, on his way to visit Cr Orford's wife after a day of lengthy public engagements.
"He was an outstanding contributor to Jondaryan where he became deputy mayor in his first term. And he very strongly wanted to be a part of the new regional government at Toowoomba Regional Council."
Cr Taylor said the owner of Toowoomba business Orford Refrigeration and 35-year Lions Club member had been appointed spokesperson for the "challenging" planning and development portfolio with his full support.
He said Cr Orford had "no ongoing personal health issues" and that council had lost a "very important member".
"We have lost a vital contributor for this community."
