A former council boss who oversaw the regeneration of parts of Gateshead has died following a sudden illness.
Tributes have today been paid to Roger Kelly OBE, who retired from his role as chief executive of Gateshead Council, in 2012.
Mr Kelly worked for the authority for more than 20 years, holding the top job for eight.
During that time, the former solicitor was instrumental in steering a number of high-profile developments and regeneration projects in Gateshead, including the National Garden Festival and the redevelopment of Gateshead Quays, which now boasts the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and The Sage Gateshead.
He previously led the council’s legal services department and was also chief executive of Northumbria Police Authority and clerk to the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear.
Following his retirement, he became the driving force behind the relaunch of Ushaw College, in Durham, as a cultural centre and visitor attraction.
Former director of The Sage Gateshead, Anthony Sargent CBE, told the Chronicle of his sadness at hearing of Mr Kelly's death. He said: "My experience of Roger started when he was Gateshead’s director of legal services when I arrived in Gateshead in 2000, and right up to the last time I saw him he has always been for me one of the very nicest, kindest, fairest, most civilised and humane leaders I’ve ever known – though with an incandescent sense of ambition for his beloved Gateshead.
"It’s an incredibly sad day not just for Tyneside but for the whole of North East England which has lost one of its truly visionary pioneers, whose gentle modesty belied an absolutely incredible work ethic and an ocean-deep sense of determination.”
Other former colleagues and friends have also taken to social media to pay tribute.
On announcing his retirement from Gateshead Council, at the age of 59, Mr Kelly said: "I am extremely proud to have served Gateshead Council and to have worked alongside dedicated councillors and talented officers who tirelessly give their time and energy for the good of the area and the people they serve."
Mr Kelly studied law at the University of Liverpool before working as a solicitor with Durham County Council for nine years. He then worked for a mineral and development company as company secretary and solicitor for two years.
He joined Gateshead as deputy director of legal services and was promoted to director in 1990.
Terry Collins, chief executive of Durham County Council said: "Roger was an incredible person who had dedicated his life to public service. He was a good friend who I found to be inspirational and always positive.
"He was responsible for many amazing developments whilst at Gateshead and since his retirement he has been working closely with the council and our partners to develop our cultural offer. He will be sadly missed."
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