Witney News - Cllr Keith Stone

Cllr Keith Stone

It is with great sadness that West Oxfordshire District Council has to announce the death of its Chairman, Cllr Keith Stone. Cllr Stone died suddenly over the weekend on Saturday 21st April.

Born and educated in Oxfordshire Cllr Stone served as a district councillor over a period of 25 years from 1982, representing Carterton. Following the local elections in May 2006 he was elected as Chairman of the Council.

Cllr Barry Norton, Leader of the Council said, "Members and officers of West Oxfordshire District Council are extremely shocked and distressed following the sudden passing of Cllr Keith Stone. Keith has served Carterton and West Oxfordshire with distinction for many years, bringing a calmness and wisdom to the local authorities on which he has served.

As the present Chairman of West Oxfordshire District Council Keith was held in high esteem for the dignity he has brought to that office. His has been an outstanding contribution to public life in our community and his deep commitment to helping others will be greatly missed. We send out heartfelt condolences to his wife Sheila and family at this time of great sadness."

Cllr Derrick Millard, Co-ordinator of the Independents at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: "I knew Keith for 30 years and he was a good, honest Councillor, very fair-minded, and an extremely kind-hearted man who did his best for his constituents. He was very well liked and respected by colleagues at the Council and will be sadly missed by everyone."

Cllr Stuart Brooks, Liberal Democrat Group Leader said: "The news was a terrible shock to everyone and our thoughts go to his relatives. Keith was a man of integrity and although we had political differences he always treated everyone in a fair manner and he had our respects."

Cllr Keith Stone has been a Carterton Town Council councillor since 1980 and also served a Carterton Town Mayor from 1985 to 1986 and again from 2002 to 2003.

In May 2005 Cllr Stone was elected as a county councillor, representing Carterton South West electoral division. Cllr Keith Mitchell, the Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: "Keith Stone was a hugely energetic local councillor who put in a great deal of work. We are all very sad to have lost him. We are grateful for the service he has given and extend our sympathies to his widow and family."

In addition to being Chairman of West Oxfordshire District Council, Cllr Stone also served on several committees including Planning, Finance and Management Overview and Scrutiny and Human Resources. Cllr Keith Stone was a sports enthusiast and represented the District Council on many community and other groups over the years.

The Chairman's duties will be undertaken in the meantime by the Deputy Chairman, Cllr Roger Curry.

Cllr Stone had been standing for election on 3rd May to the Carterton North East Ward for the District Council; and the Upavon Ward of Carterton Town Council. These elections have now been cancelled and all households in that area will be notified of revised arrangements.