Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
A man of ‘wit and wisdom’
A former councillor whose memory is forever etched on an iconic city statue has died.
Graham Wood - a former head of history at King’s School and lover of cricket - is remembered for bringing “wit” and “wisdom” to the council chamber.
He represented Westgate ward for the Lib Dems between 2011 and 2015, before becoming the chairman of the local party.
Martin Vye, a former Lord Mayor of the city, says Graham - who died last week - was full of humour and knowledge.
“He brought to debates in the council chamber a rare wisdom that was always focused on the matter at hand, aided by a wit that enabled him to make very telling points in a humorous way,” he said.
“He worked hard for the people in his ward, and they remember him in Westgate as a lovely man.
“Those of us who attended executive meetings in his house appreciated his generous hospitality and remember him applying that same wisdom, and good-natured humour, to the guidance of the local party.”
Mr Wood was head of history at the King’s School for 14 years.
His knowledge of Canterbury was vast and he went on to play a leading part in the Canterbury
Historical Society for 25 years, including as chairman.
He kept his mind sharp by completing the Telegraph crossword every day, and was passionate about cricket, often seen at The Spitfire Ground supporting Kent.
In 2016, Mr Wood was immortalised on the statue of Canterbury Tales author Geoffrey Chaucer in the city centre.
He is one of the 29 faces featured on the sculpture’s bronze plinth.
The faces of city personalities represent characters from Chaucer’s greatest work, with Mr Wood featuring as the ‘The Yeoman’.
“His lively sense of humour was enriched by a deep knowledge of history,” Mr Vye added.
“Before being elected to the council he had become involved in local affairs as an active member of the Oaten Hill Society.
“He will be sorely missed.”