Tributes have been paid to former Salford councillor John Davies, who has passed away, aged 76. Mr Davies served as a councillor for the Walkden South ward between 1983 and 1999. He was deeply involved in the local Labour Party, serving as treasurer for the constituency LP and chaired branch meetings.
According to colleagues he was ‘always on hand to advise and offer his experience to people who needed it’. He was married to his wife Josephine for 48 years. They had two daughters, two sons and Mr Davies was ‘very proud of his six grandchildren’.
Mr Davies was close friend of current Worsley and Eccles South MP Barbara Keeley. She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I have known John for 20 years and his friendship and kindness have been a constant support to me in my role as MP.
"John was a lifelong member of the Labour Party. Since I have been the MP, John has been the treasurer for our constituency party, chair of joint branch meetings, agent in many local elections and a mentor and friend.
“John was hard working, loyal, great company and always stood up for what he believed was right. No matter what he put his hand to, John’s attention to detail and his dedication to Labour values always shone through.
“I will miss John immensely. He was a fine man and he will always be remembered by me and by us all in Worsley and Eccles South.”
As a child, Mr Davies's family moved from Salford to Stevenage but Mr Davies returned to Salford as a teenager and attended Wardley Grammar School. He joined the Royal Engineers aged 17 and qualified as a Land Surveyor.
His family grew and he returned to Salford again in 1976. Mr Davies then began work for Salford city council as a land surveyor.
Coun Teresa Pepper, also a friend of Mr Davies's, said: "John was very passionate about his Salford roots and wanted to contribute to the community that he loved, in a positive way.
"This led to him getting involved in local government and politics, and eventually becoming a Salford Councillor which was a role he was committed to for many years. John was a governor and Chairperson of various local schools and colleges, including St George’s High School, Joseph Eastman’s High School, Ellenbrook Community Primary School, and Salford College."
She said that in later life Mr Davies undertook voluntary work with the Bowel Cancer Support Group and St Ann’s Hospice. Coun Pepper added: "John was a devoted grandfather to six grandchildren, and loved spending time with them all, especially in his beautiful garden, which he adored.
"John continued to be very proud of his roots in Salford and resided in Little Hulton with his wife Josephine for the rest of his life."
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