FORMER Mayor of Christchurch and civil aircraft navigating officer, Ken Gibbs of Highcliffe, has died aged 96.

Having begun his flying career in the second world war, Ken moved to the area in 1946 where he joined BOAC at Hurn Airport before being moved to London.

In 1960, he was a member of the crew of the BOAC aircraft which flew the Monckton Commission to Northern Rhodesia to investigate the ongoing political situation at the time. He appeared in Daily Echo in October 1964 as a member of the BOAC Brittania aircraft who flew HRH, The Princess Royal, from London to the independence celebrations in Northern Rhodesia.

Ken put himself forward as an Independent for his first election for the Highcliffe ward in May 1967, which was unopposed to replace the retiring Independent councillor, Peter Dobson, who was not seeking re-election. He served on the council until 1970 while working for the Department of Health and Social Services.

In 1978, he put himself forward as the Conservative candidate for Highcliffe East, for which he was successfully elected after receiving a majority of 1,085.

He took on the role of deputy-mayor in April 1982 and then Mayor in May 1983, which saw him visit many events and leant his support to many different things that he felt passionately about during this time. He was supported in this role by his wife, Joan.

Events included the planting of a ceremonial tree to celebrate 100 years of The Boys' Brigade in Christchurch on October 1983.

He also showed that he was a good sport when he took part in a football match at Holmfield School in November 1983 and was invited to attend the opening of the Southern Gas Depot in May 15, 1984.

Ken also served as chairman of Christchurch ATC Squadron, vice-president of Highcliffe Cricket Club and a member of St Mark's Church Council.

In his private life, Joan and Ken had welcomed two sons, Christopher and Philip and doted on their grandchildren.

Ken died on July 11 and his funeral took place on Monday, August 15 at St Marks Church in Highcliffe at midday followed by a private cremation, with donations being collected for the charity Dementia UK. The charity offers specialist one-to-one support and expert advice to families and those living with people with dementia.