TRIBUTES have been paid to a former mayor who dedicated himself to serving his community to the end.

John Millar, 73, who was mayor of Dalton three times, passed away last night after a short illness.

Dalton Town Council will hold a minute’s silence tonight to pay tribute to Mr Millar.

Mr Millar’s daughter, Zoe Guest, 44, said, “My family are totally shocked and devastated by the sudden passing of my dad.

“We would like to thank Furness General Hospital and the paramedics for all their support.”

In addition to his time as mayor, Mr Millar served on the town council covering Beckside for over 12 years, continuing to serve on the council until his death.

Ms Guest said, “He was working hard up until the end and will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him.”

Mr Millar lived in Dalton for more than 50 years, adopting it as his home after marrying his wife, Jennifer.

He worked at BAE Systems in Barrow until his retirement in 2007.

Fellow Dalton councillor Wendy Maddox said: “He was a lovely man. He called a spade a spade and he was always one for speaking his mind, but always with his heart in the right place.

“He will be sorely missed by the town.”

Mr Millar was elected as mayor of Dalton for three one-year terms, the first in 2005 and the most recent in 2011.

Fellow town councillor Ann Thurlow said: “It is very sad and he will be greatly missed, he always had such interesting things to say at the meetings.”

Mr Millar is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and two children.