A much-loved former Whitstable councillor who helped design hundreds of buildings across the district has died aged 74.

Trevor Seath, of Clifton Road, Whitstable, spent nearly a half century in the architectural business as well as a successful four year stint as a Labour councillor in the 1980s.

During his career, the father-of-two designed countless projects including numerous housing and commercial estates and oversaw improvements to All Saints Church.

His wife, Julia, 74, says Trevor’s lasting legacy is there for all to see.

“Trevor has definitely left his mark in bricks and mortar,” she said.

“He was very popular in and around the town for his architectural designs and work as a councillor. He was an honest man with great integrity, always being concerned about those who were struggling with life.

“He was even the first person who suggested designs for a swimming pool in Whitstable and since then everyone has benefitted from its construction.”

Born and bred in Whitstable, the grandfather-of-four battled living the later years of his life with dementia, Parkinson’s and emphysema, but refused to let the diseases dominate his final years.

“He just embraced the treble whammy of illnesses that he got diagnosed with and didn’t fall on the scrap heap – he was still full of love and laughter,” Julia said.

“He regularly joined up with The Forget-me-nots – a network for people living with dementia who meet to raise awareness of the disease.

“He loved books and music and was a great dancer too. Our daughters used to bring home friends just so they could see us dancing to rock’n’roll.”

The former Labour councillor, who represented Harbour ward from 1983 to 1987, retired from his architectural design firm eight years before he was diagnosed in November 2012.

He died on Tuesday, April 25 at Chestfield Nursing Home. A funeral, which was attended by 230 people, was held at All Saints Church last Monday.

A young Trevor met Julia as a teenager in the late 1950s before marrying in 1964.

His wife, who was also a town councillor for 16 years, said: “When we met we were both conservatives but bit by bit we turned to Labour and adopted socialist views.

“Trevor was not only my husband for more than 52 years but my best friend - my sound advisor and a curb on my more impulsive tendencies.

“He was an honest man with great integrity and was concerned about those who were struggling with life.

“He always kept my feet on the ground. We didn’t always agree but we talked things through and reached a consensus, making decisions together - life with him gave me countless wonderful memories to cherish.”