Death of former council chairman

Death of former council chairman

14 December 2011

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Rowallane councillor Bill Biggerstaff who died recently at the age of 84.

A former principal of Crossgar Primary school, Mr. Biggerstaff lived in the village before moving to Saintfield. More recently, he lived in Lisburn.

Councillor Robert Burgess, the man who replaced Mr. Biggerstaff on Down Council in 1999, said he had a very hard act to follow.

He said Mr. Biggerstaff was Down Council chairman in 1996/97 and a key member of the East Down Unionist Association.

Councillor Burgess added: “Bill had a reputation for fairness and made a tremendous contribution to Down Council during his time as an elected representative. He was someone I could go to for advice and he would provide it willingly. Indeed, his wise counsel was sought on many occasions by his fellow councillors.

“Bill represented all the people of Rowallane and was well known in the area. He was a former principal of Crossgar Primary School and in addition to being a highly respected politician, he was a very accomplished educator.”

Councillor Water Lyons described the former Ulster Unionist councillor as a “man of principle” and explained he learnt a lot from his former colleague when he was elected as a Ballynahinch councillor in 1989.

“Bill was a wonderful man who stuck to his principles and was an influential member of the Ulster Unionist Party for many years. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time,” added Councillor Lyons.

Councillor Terry Andrews said Mr. Biggerstaff always carried out his duties in a “courteous and efficient manner” and described him as a “real gentleman.”

He added: “Bill always enjoyed a chat and when I used to meet him he would always ask about the people in Crossgar. I would like to offer my sympathy to his wife Yvonne and daughters Dorinda, Shirley and Paula.”

Down Council chairman Dermot Curran described his former colleague as a “wonderful man” who had the interests of the people of Rowallane very much at heart.

“Bill Biggerstaff always made purposeful contributions to council debates and he was very proud to be the district’s first citizen during his time on the council.

“My thoughts are with his family at this sad time. I know Bill’s many former Down Council colleagues will be very sad to learn of his passing.”