The Clara man stood down from Offaly County Council last year after a cancer diagnosis.
Former Offaly County Councillor Ken Smollen has passed away after a battle with illness.
His family shared the sad news of his passing on social media this afternoon.
They say "it is with the heaviest of hearts that we, Ken's family, have to tell you that Ken passed away peacefully just after 1pm today. We wish to thank you all for your continuous support, thoughts and prayers."
He announced last September he was stepping away from the local authority due to health difficulties.
The Clara man said last year that his diagnosis of lung cancer, in May 2023, was a "huge shock."
He was first elected to Offaly County Council in 2019.
His wife, Sandy Feehan - Smollen, was co-opted onto the local authority in his place.
The Independent rep was well known for his work trying to eliminate food poverty in the midlands with the Ken Smollen Food Appeal, which he founded in 2016.
His sister, Laura Smollen, posted an emotional tribute on social media. She says "the bestest brother in the world has gone to heaven. The world has lost the most brilliant, generous and incredibly kind and loving man. I will miss our chats forever more...I'll always love and miss you forever. Thank you so much everyone for all your prayers.
Speaking to Midlands 103 last January he thanked his wife for taking such good care of him:
Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Tony McCormack says he's thinking of all of Ken's family on this sad day:
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