THE PASSING of much-loved councillor Kevin Ward has saddened the small town of Uralla.
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A community champion, Mr Ward passed away on Friday night after a battle with his health.
Mr Ward served the rural community for 14 years and was deeply entrenched in a number of organisations - namely the Uralla Tigers football club and McMaugh Gardens Aged Care Centre.
He sat on the board for the aged care centre since its inception and played an integral role in its establishment and ongoing success.
Known for his strong convictions, sage advice, dedication to local governance, love for his family and brilliant smile Mr Ward will be deeply missed by his wife Sandra, his family and the community.
And, it’s the community who misses out without him, fellow councillor Bob Crouch said.
“Nobody had a knowledge of the community like he had, he knew individuals and their circumstances,” Mr Crouch said.
It’s a very kind and caring community Uralla, people take care of their neighbours and that’s struck me over the years - everyone is interested in the welfare of the community and there’s no shortage of people interested in trying to improve the town.
- The late Kevin Ward, at the time of his resignation from council
“He was the sort of person who made things happen, he worked to make them happen.
“It’s a matter of thanking Kevin for his strong contribution and the community is poorer for his passing, it’s a better place because he was a part of it.”
Mr Ward was mayor of Uralla for one year and a councillor for 13 and was a firm believer in the power of teamwork to advance the interests of the small community.
Current mayor Michael Pearce was deputy to Mr Ward in his term, and said the pair bonded over their mutual love of the St George rugby league team during their 10 year friendship.
“We’re hoping the mighty dragons can win a few games for Kevin,” he said.
“I think part of him being respected is that people could trust him, honesty is a key word in society and Kevin was as honest as the day is long.
“He will be sorely missed by his family and the entire community - another man gone too soon and our thoughts go out to his wife Sandra and children.”
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall lamented the loss of a friend and colleague.
“They don’t make many like Kevin Ward and we were all lucky to know him and we are all the better for having had him in our lives,” he said.
“Personally I always enjoyed his friendship, forthright advice on occasion and admired his passion to simply get things done for whatever project or organisation he is involved in.”
Mr Ward resigned from his position on council in November due to ill health, and had this to say about the community at the time.
“It’s a very kind and caring community Uralla, people take care of their neighbours and that’s struck me over the years - everyone is interested in the welfare of the community and there’s no shortage of people interested in trying to improve the town.”
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