'He made a genuine difference to the life of the town with no expectation of praise or reward'
11:17, 15 Jan 2026
Tribute has been paid to the former mayor of St Ives following his unexpected passing.
Ron Tulley, former resident of St Ives, town councillor and mayor died unexpectedly in hospital last week after a bad fall.
He has been described as a "true community champion" and "quiet hero" by his personal friend and former town councillor, Tamsyn Williams, who has shared some memories of his contribution to the parish.
St Ives Town Council said it is deeply saddened by Mr Tulley's death, who left the council in 2021, adding that it will be flying flags at half mast this week to mark his death and that of deputy mayor, councillor Ken Messenger who died suddenly on Christmas Eve.
Paying tribute to Mr Tulley, Tamsyn Williams said: "Ron was a gentle, friendly and genuine person who will be remembered fondly by many because of his tireless work in the local community.
"Ron was one of six Green councillors elected to St Ives Town Council in 2007, a role which he held for the next 14 years. He was conscientious and determined to make a difference, but always tackled issues with a warm sense of humour.
"A retired economics teacher, head teacher and Cambridge graduate he had a gift for data, so an excellent chair of the finance committee.
"This mattered at a time when the town council was determined to take on more local services, such as the library, and run them locally. He served as deputy mayor, and twice as mayor."
Ms Williams continued: "Perhaps because of caring full time for his brother, the needs of older people was one of Ron’s passions.
"He co-founded the Over-50s Forum , championed a Community Transport Bus, and became an active trustee of the Hayle Daycare Centre, which the council still help to fund.
"With local churches, he helped establish the foodbank and the brilliantly simple Free for All event and to set up friends of Consol pool.
"He was also passionate about building links with other communities, a champion of twinning with Camaret sur Mer and Mashiko in Japan (through a connection with Bernard Leach)."
Ms Williams said even when Mr Tulley had left the council and moved away to Worthing, he visited frequently and kept his commitment to the community.
She said: "He remained a trustee of the St Ives Community Fund (meeting on the night before his fall) and became treasurer of the Friends of Edward Hain during the important purchase of the building.
"He purchased land at Penderleath to enable a new and thriving community group to plant trees.
"Ron had no airs and graces, he could get on with anyone, had a parrot which sounded just like him, and liked nothing better than to go camping with friends and to enjoy the odd pint of beer and a good chat.
"During his time in St Ives, he made a genuine difference to the life of the town with no expectation of praise or reward. A truly quiet hero."