CAMPAIGNING Bournemouth councillor Ron Whittaker has been remembered at his funeral as a great servant of the town he loved.

Alderman Whittaker’s coffin was taken on a tour of his Throop and Muscliff council ward ahead of a civic service at St Peter’s Church in the town centre.

Ron, who died earlier this month aged 71, served on Bournemouth council for 44 years before standing down in May.

Town centre rector the Rev Ian Terry told the congregation: “In one sense, he would have loved today.

“His coffin has been around his ward today and I gather people have been out waving, cheering, throwing flowers as a tribute to a well loved man and a man who served them as councillor and who served this borough so well over the years.”

The mayor, Cllr John Adams, described Ron as “a gentleman – conscientious, empathic and he had a great heart”.

Council leader Cllr John Beesley remembered Ron as a “formidable campaigner”.

“We all know Ron’s tenacity and persistence were the fundamental hallmarks of his personality. Even if that became frustrating, you always knew it was driven by his passion for his cause, never with a hint of malice, although sometimes just a bit of mischief,” he said.

“He was also a very kind man and seemed to have a sixth sense for when his support was most needed.”

“He was so highly regarded by everyone who knew him and he made an enormous contribution to the town he loved. We will miss you more than these words can tell, Ron.”

Cllr Anne Rey, Ron’s fellow Independent councillor for Throop and Muscliff, said: “It’s both an honour and a pleasure to have worked with probably one of the most hard-working councillors this town has seen.”

She read words of tribute from Ron’s widow Jackie, who he met during his mayoral year in 1993 and married last year.

“I have so many happy memories and will miss you so much,” Jackie wrote.

“Guide and watch over me from over the horizon. I will meet you on the highway.

“Until then, my love, goodnight, God bless, sweet dreams.”

Cllr David Kelsey recalled how, on the day Ron died, he was presented in hospital with the scrolls making him a freeman of the borough – and true to form, read every word.

He recalled how one commenter on the Echo website had described Ron as “Mr Bournemouth”.

“He lived his life for this borough and he only ever wanted what was right for this borough,” said Cllr Kelsey.

“Rest in peace, Mr Bournemouth.”