The last CEO of the Shire of Phillip Island, Barry Hayes, has died.

The popular chief executive took the reins at the Shire of Phillip Island in 1982 and served for 12 years until his retirement in 1994 when Phillip Island was amalgamated into Bass Coast Shire.

Barry’s long career in local government included stints as Shire Secretary at the Shire of Kowree (Edenhope), and CEO of the City of Mildura.

He also spent three years in the Solomon Islands as an AusAid technical advisor.

After his retirement Barry continued to live at Cowes where he devoted his time to writing and publishing while his wife Denise operated a local marriage and relationship counselling service.

Barry also contributed the humorous “Pebbles and Ripples” column to the Advertiser for many years, back in the 1990s.

He died peacefully at home last week aged almost 81 after a short battle with liver cancer, cared for by family.

A small funeral will be held at St John’s Uniting Church Cowes on Wednesday, September 1.

A link to the livestream and recording of the service will be available on the Handley and Anderson website.