Tributes to former Mayor Harry Whitehead

TRIBUTES have been made to former Mayor of Warrington Harry Whitehead who has died aged 99.

Harry, who represented the Orford ward, dedicated 25 years of his life to public service, before retiring in 1983.

Former leader of the council and colleague John Gartside said: “I got to know Harry Whitehead in 1979 when he went out of his way to welcome me to the Council – and also magistrates bench.
“He was a train driver with a great love of Warrington. He possessed a streak of independence and said and acted upon what he felt was right. He became a particularly successful mayor taking considerable pride in his working background.

“Harry had a robust difference about him based around his straightforward and honest personality. When Mayor Harry laid the first foundation stone at the then new, Warrington Market and was forever delighted at its development and success.
He was also enthusiastically supportive of the town’s Hilden relationship and developing friendship with previous enemies.
“Harry influenced and encouraged not only myself but many others who became involved in Warrington public life. It is a privilege to have known him and be regarded as a friend. I will miss seeing him at the cenotaph on November 11th.

The man who took over his Orford seat when he retired in 1983, another former Mayor, Mike Hannon said: “Harry gave notice he was going to retire at the 1983 elections to which I was selected to replace Harry in the Orford ward.
“I was elected in May 1983 with Bert Arnold & Geoff Orange as it was all out elections.
“It was clear to me that Harry would be a hard act to follow and a formidable speaker who also had a great sense of humour which came out from time to time. Harry was Mayor 1971/72.
“Harry always kept in touch with me and would call with the odd problem. He could always be seen in his garden at Statham Ave. From my knowledge, he was a true gentleman and my condolence go out to his family.
Rest in Peace Harry.”
Mike & Kate Hannon

His funeral will take place at Walton Crematorium on Thursday November 10 at 1.20pm.

ED’s NOTE: Harry was one of the first Cllrs I interviewed as a young journalist starting my career in Warrington. I found him to be one of life’s great characters and everything a local politician should be – a man of the people he represented.