Tributes to the ‘voice of reason’
A FORMER long-serving Derbyshire Dales District Councillor who served parts of the Ashbourne area and stood for two terms as the authority’s civic chairman, has died at the age of 88.
Ken Bull passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home in Marston Montgomery on Monday, October 19.
Husband of the late Mary, and a much-loved father of Helen and Peter, he was also a grandfather and great grandfather.
Representing the Norbury ward on the district council, Mr Bull wore the chain of office as chairman of the District of the Derbyshire Dales in 1988/89 and again in 2007/08.
Writing to his son Peter, the district council’s chief executive Paul Wilson passed sed on the condolences of elected members and district council colleagues.
He wrote: “I remember Ken as being an excellent councillor who was passionate not only about his particular r ward but also the Dererbyshire Dales as a whole. ole.
“He was always the voice of reason during meetings gs and was highly respected by fellow members and officers.”
Tributes were paid to Mr Bull at the district council’s Governance and Resources Committee meeting on Thursday evening.
Council leader Garry Purdy said: “Ken was a lovely man and a gentleman. I got to know him when I came on to the council in 2007 when he was chairman and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Leader of the Liberal Democrats on the council, Councillor Steve Flitter said: “Ken was a dear friend. He didn’t share my politics but we were very good friends.
“I will miss that dryness that he had when he was speaking. He was really enthused by the community he served - he didn’t think politics, it was all about the people around him and how he cared.”
Labour group leader Councillor Mike Ratcliffe said: “Ken was something of a mentor to me when I joined the district council some years y ago.
“He always alway had time to listen to you, to share his advice. He ha had huge experience of course c and was abso solutely dedicated to h his community.
“He was one of t those very special c characters that c come along every s so often and make au authorities a delight to b be part of. He will be very sorely missed.” Coun Councillor Tom Donnelly, of o the Ashbourne South ward said: “I remember many council planning meetings where Ken would sit there and say very little at all but at the end of the debate he would speak and everyone would listen.” Councillor Peter Slack added: “He was a gentleman. He always made you welcome and I shall always remember Ken.”
He was always the voice of reason during meetings and was highly respected by fellow members and officers Paul Wilson