Community champion dies after short illness
A MUCH-LOVED community champion who was also a mayor and councillor has been remembered for “dedicating his life towards supporting others”.
David White, a former member of Bridgend County Borough Council, died after a short illness earlier this year.
He worked in social services for almost 30 years and served as chair for the city and county of Swansea branch of Unison.
He held a number of community positions, including governor of Heronsbridge School, trustee of West Ward Community Centre, and board member of the Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (Bavo).
He was very active in local politics, serving as a member of Bridgend town council and also as town mayor between 2015-16. In 2012, he was elected to Bridgend County Borough Council, where he represented what was formerly the Newcastle ward.
Bridgend County Counci leader Huw David said: “Whether it was food banks or coffee mornings, charity book sales or dressing up as Father Christmas for festive events, David was constantly working to promote local good causes in his own free time, and spent his life raising funds for numerous charities.
“He was a selfless individual who dedicated his entire life towards supporting other people, a community champion who never sought recognition for his efforts.
“Nevertheless, his commitment towards the local community which he loved so much was ultimately recognised with an Unsung Heroes Trustee award from Bavo, where he was described as being ‘a community activist through to his core, always going the extra mile to help people in the area’.
“Shortly before he passed away, David was also recognised with a Mayoral Citizenship Award. His nomination form described him as having ‘contributed much to both Bridgend town and county through his public service roles as well as through voluntary service’. It also stated that ‘Despite his current ill health and the challenges he faces on a daily basis, David continues to think of others, and to be of service wherever and whenever he can’.
“The nomination concludes by saying: ‘A kinder and more deserving man would be hard to find.’ I think this is a very fitting tribute to the sort of wellregarded man David was, and I hope that knowing he was held in such high respect brings some comfort now to David’s wife Jacquie, his children, and his grandchildren.”
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “David White dedicated his working life to supporting others, with a lengthy career in social services, in the union movement, as a town and county councillor, and as a volunteer in his local community.
“He was well-regarded and known as someone who would go the extra mile to help others, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”