Political leaders on Aberdeenshire Council pay tribute to Councillor John Duncan

Following the sad news of the passing of Councillor John Duncan, elected members from across Aberdeenshire Council have paid tribute to their colleague.

The Conservative councillor for the Troup ward, who was in his 80s, died on his way home after attending a meeting of the council’s Social Work and Housing Committee yesterday. (Thu)Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, James Gifford, offered his condolences to Cllr Duncan’s family and friends.

“He’s always just been the nicest guy and of all the tributes that have come through so far, one thing that really comes through again and again is that he was a true gentleman,” he said.

“He got on with everybody but was also quite happy to make his opinion known, which he did regularly.

“He hadn’t been well for a while, but insisted on trying to do as much as he could. I saw him yesterday after committee and he was full of beans, as healthy as I’d seen him for a while.

“He was doing what he absolutely loved to do right up to the last minute, which was work away on council business on behalf of the folk who elected him and he will be sadly missed by anyone who knew him.” Provost of Aberdeenshire, Jill Webster, said: “I’m very sad to hear of John’s passing, he was a respected colleague and a hardworking representative of his community who understood local issues and strived to help his constituents.

“He will be sorely missed and my thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Councillor Duncan, a retired farmer, was elected to the Troup ward following a by-election in 2002.Leader of the Scottish Labour Group at Aberdeenshire Council, Cllr Alison Evison said: “I was very saddened to hear the news this morning. Cllr Duncan was a dedicated councillor who was performing duties even yesterday.

“All thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this difficult time.”

Councillor Duncan sat on the Social Work and Housing Committee and was a champion of older people.Social Work and Housing Committee Chair,Cllr Karen Clark, said: “Like all of my colleagues my thoughts are with John’s family.

“He was one of those councillors you could always rely on, he was so committed to doing his best for his own constituents and his colleagues.

“He was never afraid to stand up for what he thought was right and I always admired him for that.”

The father of two sons, one daughter and proud grandparent was active in his community.Leader of the SNP Group, Cllr Hamish Vernal, said: “On behalf of our group I am sorry to hear this sad news. I knew John for many years as an officer and councillor colleague – he was always a gentleman.

“My thoughts are with his family at this time.”Deputy Provost, Norman Smith, said: “This is a sad loss for the council.

“John was an excellent councillor, a quiet man and a real gentleman.

“He always had plenty of time for everybody. He will be sadly missed by the council.”Leader of the Democratic Independent Group, Cllr Paul Johnstone, added: “I was speaking with John last week and this comes as a shock.

“John was a long-standing councillor and very well respected. My sincere condolences to his family.”

The flag at Woodhill House is flying at half-mast in Councillor Duncan’s memory.