Councillor John March, ward member for Masson, died at home with his family, on Tuesday 21 August 2007 aged 60. First elected to the District Council topping the poll in 1995, Councillor March became Deputy Leader and then Leader of the Labour Group. During his time on the District Council, Councillor March was Vice-Chairman of the Planning and Economic Development, Southern Planning and Partnership & Regeneration Committees and Chairman of the Joint Consultative Group. A keen historian Councillor March studied for a doctorate in history following his retirement as a school teacher.

Colleagues on the District Council paid tribute to Councillor March:
"John was a much valued colleague and mentor with strong Labour principles that made him a dedicated and caring constituency councillor. His jovial presence and readiness to take on the concerns of others will be missed by friends, comrades and residents across the district. He'll be missed for his good listening skills, his intellect and his wry sense of humour." - Councillor Irene Ratcliffe, current Leader of the Labour Party on the Council.

Councillor Geoff Stevens, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group - “John was a very conscientious ward member as well as being, for many years, the leader of the Labour Group on the District Council. He always had a ready smile and a quick wit when speaking in Council, something which will be greatly missed by his colleagues on the District Council.”

Councillor David Barker, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats - “Councillor March was a very a dedicated Councillor who took every matter very seriously and followed it up to the best of his ability. He was a very caring councillor and person and will be sadly missed.”

Funeral arrangements: 
Markeaton Crematoria at 2.40pm on 29 August 2007. No flowers, donations to the Bobby Moore Fund please.