Councillor Gaynar Owen

Gaynar was elected to represent Up Holland on West Lancashire Borough Council in 2012 and was immensely proud to serve the village she called home.  With deep family roots in Up Holland, she understood the community, its people and the issues that mattered to residents.  She was approachable, kind and down to earth, always willing to listen and, more importantly, to do whatever she could to help. Whether raising concerns, following up local issues or simply offering a helping hand, Gaynar went out of her way to support others and make a difference.

Her contribution to public life extended well beyond her ward. During her time as a Borough Councillor, she chaired a number of important committees, including the Planning Committee, and had the great honour of serving as Mayor of West Lancashire.  In that role, she represented the whole borough with pride and supported many local organisations and good causes, including Crawford Village Play Hut and Up Holland Scouts.

Yet Gaynar’s commitment to serving others was never confined to her elected roles. She gave generously of her time to charitable work, including volunteering at the Salvation Army charity shop in Ormskirk town centre.  Her willingness to help wherever she was needed reflected the person she was: compassionate, practical and genuinely interested in the wellbeing of others.

Remembrance Sunday held a particular significance for Gaynar.  She was a familiar and respected presence at the annual parade and service, proudly wearing her father’s military medals.  This personal tribute spoke volumes about her respect for those who had served and sacrificed, and her own deep sense of duty and community.

Gaynar will be remembered not simply for the positions she held or the committees she chaired, but for the person she was.  She was warm, personable and relatable, someone who remained firmly grounded despite the many responsibilities she undertook.  She understood that public service was ultimately about people, and she approached that responsibility with kindness, determination and a genuine desire to make life better for those around her.

Her passing is a great loss to Up Holland and to the wider West Lancashire community.  She leaves behind a legacy of service, generosity and countless acts of kindness, many of which may never have been widely known but meant a great deal to the people she helped.

On behalf of Up Holland Parish Council, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Gaynar’s family and friends.  We are deeply grateful for all she gave to our village and community, and she will be remembered with great affection, respect and gratitude.

Rest in peace, Gaynar.  Thank you for your service, your kindness and your unwavering commitment to the people of Up Holland and West Lancashire. You will be greatly missed.