A long-serving Highland Councillor has died unexpectedly while on holiday.
Colleagues paid tribute to John Ford, 85, a former senior electrical engineer and trade unionist who represented the Culloden and Ardersier ward for 13 years.
His family said he died on Wednesday from a suspected heart attack or stroke in his sleep while staying at a hotel on Jersey in the Channel Islands, a place that he and his late wife Brenda had visited on many occasions.
He was nine days into a fortnight-long summer break on the island.
His youngest son, Rob, said: “It was sudden and unexplained. They don’t have a coroner on Jersey, the police are handling things and made contact with dad’s doctor. A post mortem is taking place today. It looks like it was pretty peaceful.”
Colleagues on all sides of the political divide spoke of their sadness on hearing the news.
He was a member of the local authority’s opposition Labour group.
Its leader Jimmy Gray said Mr Ford had a broad knowledge of a vast range of issues.
“I had the pleasure of knowing John for many years. He was a deeply caring person, a very conscientious councillor and great company with a wonderful sense of humour,” he said. “Many people will be saddened by this loss.”
Local SNP MP Drew Hendry, the council’s former leader, said: “Having worked closely with John I, like many, will miss him greatly. We have lost a valued colleague and a personal friend.
“He was a true gentleman, engaging and always good humoured. His company was easy to enjoy but his commitment and dedication to those he served was his defining characteristic.”
Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael said: “John was a very hard working and conscientious councillor and very close to the community he served.
“He was a popular member of the council. His attention to detail and scrutiny of detailed financial matters was second to none.”
Council leader Margaret Davidson said: “John was a tremendous leader in his community and made a big contribution during his many years on the council.
“I called on his energy expertise on many occasions, particularly when dealing with hydro scheme applications. We will all have good memories of John and will miss him.”
Mr Ford was born in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.
His wife Brenda, a retired nurse, died last July. Mr Ford is survived by three sons, Rob, Richard and Michael, and five grandchildren – Lucy, Helen, Danny, Emily and Harvey.
