‘he was always there when you needed him’
TRIBUTES TO FORMER TEACHER WHO DIED WITH COVID-19
TRIBUTES have been paid to a retired teacher believed to be the first person to die from coronavirus in Huddersfield.
Philip Carlin, a Labour Party activist in the Greenhead ward, died on Monday, March 23 at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
He was an ordained Church of England minister who carried out voluntary work.
Philip also campaigned for Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman during the last General Election and Mr Sheerman joined the tributes.
Mr Sheerman, 79, who has himself been in self-isolation because of coronavirus, said: “Philip was a wonderful man who was steeped in the marvellous tradition of
Christian Socialism.
“His death has come as a great shock to us all. We will miss him grievously. He was a true gentleman, he helped us during the last campaign and I am very sad this awful virus has taken him from us. He was one of those people who was always there when you needed him.”
Kirklees Labour councillor Carole Pattison, who represents Greenhead, said: “Philip was an active member of our community right up to the time he was taken ill.
“He was kind and generous with his time. He was always looking to find ways to do more to help those in need in the community.
“He will be sorely missed and our hearts go out to his family as they have to learn to live with a big hole in their lives.”
Huddersfield Quakers paid a generous tribute on Facebook.
The post reads: “It is with deep sadness that we have to let you know that our dear friend Philip Carlin died in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
“Philip had been diagnosed with Covid-19 and had been in intensive care.
“Philip was a CoE reverend who, along with his wife Jane, found great solace, strength and inspiration from attending our meeting and being an active supporter of our monthly peace vigils and Roots of Resistance.
“Both Philip and Jane were perhaps best known locally and in Manchester (where they used to live) for their long-standing work with asylum seekers and refugees.
“We hold Philip, Jane and their family with love in our hearts and prayers.”