Tributes paid to former Slough mayor following his death aged 89

Tributes have been paid to a former Slough mayor and councillor who died on Friday at the age of 89.

Satpal Singh Parmar was born and educated to master’s degree level in the Punjab and came to Slough via Canada.

Arriving in the early 1960s, a food graduate degree gained in Canada saw him land a job at the Mother’s Pride Bakery near Heathrow.

In 1979, Satpal moved on to the Royal Mail depot in Slough and, inspired by his master’s degree in political science and MP Fenner Brockway, he got involved with local politics.

In 1995, he was elected to Slough Borough Council (SBC), and in his early years served as a councillor for the Chalvey and Stoke wards.

Satpal became the Mayor of Slough for the municipal year 2002-2003 and accompanied Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Slough to launch her Golden Jubilee celebrations and BBC Music Live.

In 2004, Satpal was elected in the Cippenham ward, winning numerous elections until he left the council in 2023.

He was passionate about the environment and parks in Slough and held the post of cabinet member for environment and open spaces for eight years.

Satpal also held many other roles while serving as a councillor, including being chair of the licensing committee, vice chair of scrutiny panels and chair of the Thames Valley Athletics Centre Trust.

Cllr Dexter Smith, leader of the council, said: “I have very fond memories of Satpal, his dignity and integrity.

“For his last few years as a councillor, he was the ‘Father of the House’ the longest serving and oldest member of the council and his dedication to the council and the town never wavered.

“Satpal was quietly spoken but always worth listening to.

“He will be missed, and my thoughts and that of the whole council are with his family and friends.”

Will Tuckley, chief executive at SBC, said: “Though I never had the pleasure of knowing councillor Parmar personally, it is clear from the stories I have been told that he was a man of principle; quiet, steadfast and honourable. A role model for those who came after him.

“My condolences are with everyone who worked with him and served with him as well as his loved ones.”

The civic funeral for Satpal will take place on Wednesday, October 8 at 1.30pm at Slough Crematorium.