Tributes paid to former Mayor and Councillor Ken Gray

Members of Alnwick Town Council are saddened to hear that former councillor and Mayor of Alnwick, Ken Gray, has died.

Ken, who died on Tuesday aged 88. served as a local councillor for 35 years and was elected town mayor on five occasions.

He first served on the council in 1974  where his duties included chairing the cemetery committee for 29 years. He went on to serve as a district councillor from 1986 to 2009, where he chaired a number of key committees including recreation & amenities, environmental health & housing, and development control.

In recognition of his long and valued service, he was made an honorary alderman in 2009.

An Alnwick resident all his life, Ken played a central role in many community initiatives. He was a founding member of the Alnwick Community Association, the Gallery Project, and the Multi-Agency Crime Prevention Initiative, and served on several local trusts and committees including the Playhouse Trust, Development Trust, St Paul’s Educational Trust, and the Alnwick & Denwick Trust.

He was widely regarded as a fountain of knowledge, with a deep understanding of Alnwick, its history, people, and community life. Over the years, he offered quiet support and guidance to countless individuals and families, always generous with his time and advice.

Current Town Mayor, Councillor Geoff Watson said: “I met Ken back in 2006 and I quickly learned of his passion for the community in which he lived. Ken was a familiar and well-respected man in Alnwick and quietly got on with the job of making things better for others. He gave great service to the council and all the residents of Alnwick.”

Ken was a devoted family man, much loved by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and is now reunited with his beloved wife, Vi, who passed away in 2008.