Home   Gravesend   News   Article

Bill Dyke, Honorary Freeman of the Borough, former councillor and mayor of Gravesham, dies aged 90

A veteran councillor has died at the age of 90.

Bill Dyke served as a councillor in Gravesham between 1965 and 2011, was mayor twice and became an Honorary Freeman of the Borough in 2015.

He passed away peacefully at his home in Gravesend on Sunday.

Former mayor and councillor Bill Dyke was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough in 2016
Former mayor and councillor Bill Dyke was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough in 2016

Mr Dyke was first elected to what was then Gravesend council to represent Gravesend East Ward in May 1965.

Nine years later after the restructure saw Gravesend become Gravesham he was elected as councillor for Woodlands Ward, which he served until 1995 and then again from 2003 until 2011.

From 1999, following a triple heart bypass, he served Higham Ward.

He became mayor in 1979, with his first wife Dorothy serving alongside him until her tragic death the following year.

He married Connie in 1982 and served as mayor for a second time in 1989 when his son Peter was council leader.

He also gave 35 years' service to Gravesend Lions Club and was president three times.

Paying tribute council leader David Turner said: “When I was first elected to the council in 1976 Bill had already served since the inception of Gravesham and for several years prior to that on Gravesend Council.

“He became a good friend and mentor and when he was Mayor, for a second term, in 1989 I served as his deputy. He was very experienced in housing and works issues and chaired these meaty committees for several years. He was, of course, a member of the Gravesend Lions and remained so until his passing.

“I shall remember him as a driving force in delivering what was first called the Lions Hospice and is now the ellenor Lions Hospice. He must rate quite highly in the list of volunteers who have in recent years made a positive impact on our borough, something that was acknowledged in 2015 when he was made an Honorary Freeman. I’ll miss him.”

Details of funeral arrangements will be released soon.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More