‘Irreplaceable’ councillor and ex-Sussex Police Inspector remembered fondly by community
A popular and well-respected councillors who ‘had time for everyone and helped countless people’ – has died.
DavidSimmonsrepresented CokehamWardonAdurDistrict Council from 2006 to 2014 and Hillside Ward, Southwick, from 2014 until the time of his death. He was Adur District Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing until 2020.
He passed away peacefully on Friday, September 3.
Prior to retirement at the rank of Inspector, David had a successful 30 year career with
Sussex Police.
He was also the serving chairman of the Sir Robert Woodard Academy’s governing body and a former West Sussex county councillor, representing Southwick, until May this year.
He leaves a widow, Pauline, plus a son, Damon and two daughters, Paula and Hanna, with his late wife, Tina, and 14 grandchildren.
David was renowned throughout Adur and West Sussex as a man with an unrivalled work ethic, strong sense of community and a phenomenal desire to help people and champion the underdog.
During his time as both a senior police officer and subsequent election as a councillor in 2006, he fought tirelessly to help local people, particularly the young and those with special educational needs.
He also strived to improve community race relations and to divert young people away from lives of crime.
Following his death, friends and colleagues gave thanks for the huge contribution he made to local communities and highlighted his lasting legacy.
East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton said he was ‘one of the hardest working and most dedicated councillors I have ever had the pleasure to work with’.
His close friend councillor Joss Loader said: “Kindness can be a very under-valued attribute but Dave always had time and genuine concern for people, particularly those who felt they lacked a voice and were enduring real problems and hardship.
“His humanity, compassion and sheer kindness always shone through. I respected him hugely as a councillor, school governor and community worker but above all I valued him as my friend. Dave was one of a kind – he is simply irreplaceable.”
Close family friend, the Rev Pat Alden, emphasised Dave’s contribution to St Nicolas Church in Shoreham.
“Dave was a member of St Nicolas Church for many years, sang in the choir and was the principalsoloistatallimportant times. He also sang with several choirs including the Shoreham Chamber choir. He had enjoyed singingfromaveryearlyageand his voice will be sorely missed. Thank you Dave for all the contributions you made to our choir as well as to the worship and life of the church, as well as the community you served.”
The funeral service will take place in Shoreham on a date to be confirmed. As a mark of respect, the flag will fly at half mast at the Shoreham Centre on the day.