Deputy Rondel, a father of three, passed away on Wednesday night at Jersey Hospice after a 3½-year battle with bowel cancer.
The parish flag at the Town Hall was flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the popular district 3/4 Deputy, while States colleagues attending a Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel hearing began with a tribute to him. A minute’s silence will be held before Tuesday’s States sitting.
It has also been announced that a studio for local artists to display their work at the Westmount development opened by the Deputy is to be renamed the Richard Rondel Arts Studio.
Former St Helier Deputy Jackie Hilton, who worked alongside Deputy Rondel for seven years in St Helier No 3/4, said she would miss his ‘big smile’ and ‘big personality’.
She said: ‘With Richard passing, his family have lost a much-loved son, father, brother and family man and the parish has lost a dedicated, hard-working Deputy.
‘From a personal point of view, he was a very good friend. We met during the 2011 election and from moment one we got on really well.
‘He had a huge personality. You couldn’t help but like the man – he had a huge smile, a big personality and he fought this disease for three and a half years with determination, courage and dignity.’
Deputy Rondel was first elected as a parish Deputy in 2011 before being re-elected in 2014. During the General Election in May this year, he topped the poll in St Helier No 3/4. He served as Assistant Infrastructure Minister between 2014 and 2018 under former minister Eddie Noel.
Mr Noel said: ‘Richard and I started as political colleagues and became close friends. He was the good cop to my bad cop.
‘He brought common sense and a great humour to everything he did.
‘He was an exemplary States Member and fantastic colleague to have at the department.’
Meanwhile, staff at the department have described the Deputy as a ‘delight to work with’. In a statement, an Infrastructure Department spokesperson said: ‘He treated people with respect and was always prepared to listen. He had a great sense of humour and a generous nature, which was well illustrated when he brought us in a sack of new potatoes.’
Earlier this year, Deputy Rondel’s three sons – Jack, Joshua and James – completed a 36-mile walk to raise funds for the charities that had helped and supported their father.
St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft said: ‘Deputy Rondel was an enthusiastic supporter of the parish and was responsible for the creation of the Fête de St Hélier in 2013.
‘He was also an active member of the St Helier-Funchal twinning committee and of the Portuguese community in Jersey.
‘He was tireless in his efforts to find solutions for problems affecting the daily lives of his constituents, and he was active on their behalf until the final days of his illness.
‘One of the Deputy’s final official functions was to open a studio for local artists, provided by Dandara in their development at Westmount, to be known as the Richard Rondel Arts Studio.
‘The Parish of St Helier expresses its sincere condolences to Deputy Rondel’s family.’
TRIBUTES FROM STATES MEMBERS
Senator Ian Gorst: ‘Richard Rondel we will miss you, your smile and positive can-do attitude. You’ve showed such strength and determination. Our thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends. It’s been a privilege to know you and work with you.’
Deputy Jeremy Maçon: ‘It is so sad to learn that Deputy Richard Rondel passed away last night. Richard was a pleasure to work with. He had a great sense of humour, cheeky character and cared strongly about ordinary Islanders. Thoughts are with his sons and family at this time. He will be greatly missed!’
Deputy Rob Ward: ‘Very sad news. Richard was so welcoming of me as a new Member. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. My deepest condolences.’
Senator Lyndon Farnham: ‘Farewell Richard, my dear friend and colleague. Your warm presence, humour, zest for life and ultimately your courage will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with your family at this time and, until we meet again, rest in peace.’
Senator John Le Fondré: ‘My thoughts, and those of my States Assembly colleagues, are with Richard’s family and friends today. Richard served the Island as a States Member with a compassionate approach and a clear sense of duty. He will be much missed by us all.’
Deputy Montfort Tadier: ‘We have lost a respected, hard-working colleague in Deputy Richard Rondel. He was a true gentleman; cheerful, approachable and compassionate. All our thoughts are with his close friends and family. We will miss you, Richard.’
Deputy Kevin Pamplin: ‘Richard and I only spent a short time together on our row in the States Assembly, but in truth his presence was felt long before and will be for years to come.
‘His proud sons are testament to him in the way these boys have conducted themselves and carried his wit, warmth and humour forward.
‘Few of us have been tested the way Richard was or required to show the kind of courage he did. But all of us can aspire to put the greater good and others first. Richard at his best showed us the way.
‘We thank him for all he did for others and my family are thinking of his boys, family and friends today and send our deepest condolences.’
Deputy Carina Alves: ‘Very saddened to hear that fellow St Helier Deputy Richard Rondel has passed away. I didn’t have many opportunities to speak with him but he was always smiling and a true gentleman whenever I saw him. Deepest condolences to the family.’
