Council Convener pays tribute to Kingussie Freeman Tom Wade
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The Convener of Highland Council and Badenoch and Strathspey ward councillor Bill Lobban has paid tribute to former Provost of Kingussie and community stalwart Mr Tom Wade, who passed away on Wednesday.
The Highland Council bestowed the title of Freedom of Kingussie to Tom during a ceremony held in 2010 in recognition of his outstanding dedication to many aspects of community life.
Tom's career in local government began when he was elected to Kingussie Town Council in 1964 and subsequently became convener of the town council's lighting committee.
He became Provost of Kingussie and Justice of the Peace in 1968 and held office until local government reorganisation in 1974.
Following the elections Tom served on the Badenoch and Strathspey District Council and was appointed chairman of the licensing board and the district court justices.
Following the 1992 district council elections he was appointed vice-chairman of the district council and the district sports council and reappointed chairman of the licensing board.
He also represented the district council on the planning committee, Voluntary Action in Badenoch and Strathspey, housing and environmental services committees and on the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.
When Highland Council was created in 1995 Tom sat on the culture and leisure, social services and budget group committees as well as continuing his role as chair of the licensing board and district court justices.
He retired from the Highland Council in 1999 and subsequently joined Kingussie and Vicinity Community Council, serving for many years as treasurer.
Convener Bill Lobban said: “Tom lived his working and retired years in service to the community and his passing is without doubt the end of an era, an era where he played an extraordinary part in the development of Kingussie.
“Few, if any, have given so much to their local community as Tom Wade.
"A community which honoured him by making their ex-Provost a Freeman of the town in 2010.
"His family and friends will be justifiably proud of his achievements and will sadly mourn his passing.”
Fellow Badenoch councillor Pippa Hadley added her tribute last night: " Tommy was such a lovely man.
"He will be sorely missed.
"Tommy has been part of the fabric of this town for longer than I can remember, and his twinkle and his humour brightened my day whenever he came into it.
"He was a wonderful gentleman."
Look out for this week's Strathy on Thursday for more.
