16 August 2017

Tributes paid to former Councillor

Tributes have been paid to former Aberdeenshire Councillor Patricia Oddie who passed away earlier today.

She represented the community of West Garioch from her election in May 2012 until she stood down ahead of the 2017 local government election on health grounds.

During her time in office she sat on the Social Work and Housing Committee as well as being a substitute member of the then Education Learning and Leisure Committee. On top of that she was involved with the Sustainability sub-committee.

Patricia was well respected within her community as a hardworking and committed member who always did the best for the people of West Garioch. She has been described by those close to her as a lovely and truly inspirational lady with great drive and determination to help anyone she could. Her skill at finding common ground has also been praised.

In a tribute, the leader of Aberdeenshire Council Cllr Jim Gifford said: ““It is with deep sadness that I heard of the death of our former colleague and friend. Patricia was an incredibly kind and thoughtful lady and I know she loved her time serving as a Councillor. She was a great asset to our group and the whole of the council and, like all good Councillors, was a tireless champion for her ward and the people she was proud to represent. Her boundless good humour, enthusiasm and positive attitude brightened many a day and she will be missed by all who knew her.”

Leader of the Lib Dem group Cllr Peter Argyle said: “My thoughts are with her family and friends and I know Patricia will be deeply missed. She touched everyone with her courage, her humour and her determination. She was held in universally high regard and affection. Despite her long illness she never stopped fighting for the things she believed in or the community she represented. Put simply, Patricia was a lovely lady and an exceptional colleague.”

Leader of the Independent Group Cllr Norman Smith said: “I was truly sad to hear of Patricia’s passing. Aberdeenshire has lost a champion but that pales in comparison to the loss her family and friends are feeling. My deepest condolences.”

Leader of the SNP group Cllr Richard Thomson said: “Patricia was not only well respected in the Council chamber but also well liked. Her kind spirit and commitment was compelling and I have no doubt that these sentiments will be shared by colleagues from across the political divide.”

Leader of the Aberdeenshire Labour and Communities Alliance group Cllr Alison Evison said: "Patricia always cared deeply about helping the community. She had a real understanding of people and her insight was so valuable. We were both new councillors in 2012 and from the start she always had a smile and an interest in the well-being of others, despite her own pain. Her family and friends are in all of our thoughts.”

Leader of the Democratic Independent and Green group Cllr Paul Johnston said: “In all of my dealings with Patricia, both in and out of the Council chamber, she was always a considerate, caring and respectful individual. We will miss her a great deal.”

Chief Executive Jim Savege said: “I will forever think fondly on my dealings with Patricia. The times we worked together were always both warm and professional. She had great integrity, steel, passion and commitment – with Aberdeenshire communities at her heart. My thoughts are with her family and friends”.