CARING DAVE WILL BE MISSED
Tributes paid to Depute Provost
Tributes have been paid to West Lothian’s Depute Provost, Councillor Dave King, who has died after nearly 30 years of “tireless and devoted work for his community”.
Councillor King (79), represented Labour for the East Livingston and East Calder ward on West Lothian Council.
He had been a councillor since 1992, representing the East Calder ward on West Lothian’s District Council.
He was elected Depute Provost of West Lothian Council in 2012. He was also Executive Councillor for Culture and Leisure.
Council Leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “Dave worked tirelessly for his community and was, without a doubt, one of the hardest working elected members you could ever meet.
“Those of us who knew him well were aware of his health issues but it didn’t stop him.
“Until the pandemic he was still holding seven surgeries a week and his workload was as large as ever.
“He was from Edinburgh originally but East Calder had been his home for many years.
“He was a very popular and well-known figure within the town. Many a time he’d walk down East Calder Main Street and there were always people stopping him to ask for advice and assistance.
“People knew that if they spoke to Dave, he’d do all that he could to help. He was devoted to helping the people he was elected to serve.
“Dave set an incredibly high standard in terms of his work ethic, his steadfast commitment to improve his local community, his loyalty and his generosity.
“He was a caring and kindhearted man and I was proud to be his friend for many years. My thoughts are with his wife, Blanche, his son and friends at this time.”
Provost Tom Kerr also paid tribute. He said: “I’m so very sad to hear of Councillor King’s passing.
“I considered Dave a good friend and we worked closely in the Civic office. He was so proud to be Depute Provost of West Lothian and I know how much that role meant to him.
“We were both elected to the council in 1992 and we’ve known each other well since then. His work ethic and commitment to the people within his community were legendary.
“I know how highly respected Dave was within the council and within his local community. His legacy will live on within East Calder and I’d like to offer my sincere condolences to his family and close friends at this sad time.”
Writing on her social media page, depute-council leader Kirsteen Sullivan said: “We are devastated by the loss of our much loved and respected colleague, Dave King. You could not get a more passionate defender of the communities he served.
“For me, Dave will always be someone who had a kind word and many a joke, and the first to put his hand in his pocket every Christmas when I came for donations to buy food for a local charity.”