A South Shields councillor affectionately known as 'Mr Whiteleas' has sadly died after three decades of serving his community.
Bill Brady, who passed away at the weekend at the age of 87, was one of South Tyneside Council's longest-serving councillors. The former miner was first elected to the council in 1992 and went on to serve the Whiteleas ward for 30 years.
He also served as Mayor from 1996 to 1997 and was a cabinet member for both Social Inclusion and Leisure and Tourism. Following his death, Coun Brady has been remembered as a "jovial man with a ready smile" by South Tyneside Council leader Tracey Dixon.
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“Bill served the Whiteleas community and the wider Borough with professionalism and integrity," she said.
“He was a jovial man with a ready smile who was always ready to support new members, but he always did what he thought was best for the residents he served and ensured they had a strong voice in the council chamber. He was known as ‘Mr Whiteleas’ and, when he and his late wife, Mavis, both served as councillors, they were a force to be reckoned with.”
Councillor Brady also served on various committees throughout his career and was Vice-Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Vice-Chair of West Shields, Cleadon and East Boldon Community Area Forum at the time of his passing. He also served on the Governing Body of Forest View Primary and South Shields Community Schools.
Councillor Dixon continued: “Bill was a great support who will be a huge miss to me personally. Our thoughts are with Bill’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
A former miner at Whitburn Colliery until its closure in 1968, Councillor Brady re-trained in heating and ventilation and worked as a fitter for South Tyneside Council until he retired in 1991. The borough flag will be flown at half-mast at South Shields Town Hall as a mark of respect and will stay in place until after Councillor Brady’s funeral.
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