Date set to bid fond farewell to popular councillor
THE funeral of muchloved politician Ernie White is taking place on January 30.
County councillor White died at home on January 2 aged 76, with his family gathered around him after a “brave fight” with a short illness.
He was the longest serving politician at County Hall, first elected to represent the Stoney Stanton and Croft division in 1975, and reelected an unprecedented 11 times since then.
Lib Dem councillor David Bill, who represents Hollycroft division on Leicestershire County Council, said: “He held the respect of people from all parts of the political spectrum, putting his principles before that of his party.
“Most notably he stood out against the break-up of the old county council some years ago.
“His abiding interest was in community and further education.
“He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
Don Wright from Hinckley served as Lib Dem county councillor alongside Cllr White from 2005 to 2013 on a number of educational committees, and also knew him from their school days at City Boys Grammar School in the 1950s.
He said: ““Despite our political differences sometimes, he was highly respected by all who knew him for his decency, honesty and his long years of service in the public life of this county.”
Cllr White’s funeral service will take place at Heart of England crematorium in Nuneaton on January 30, at 11.15am.
His family have requested that only family flowers are brought to the service.
Donations may be sent payable to Brain Tumour Charity c/o G. Seller & Co Ltd ‘The Genuine Independent Funeral Directors’ 75 Upper Bond Street, Hinckley, LE10 1RH.
You can also organise a donation by calling G Seller & Co on Hinckley 637457 or on the obituary page of the company website.