Tributes to Councillor Ian Robertson

After the sad news that North Middleton ward councillor Ian Robertson had died on Friday 7 September following a long-term illness, fellow councillors have paid tribute to his life. Fellow ward councillor Maureen Rowbotham was a friend and colleague of Mr Robertson of over twenty years. She said: "Ian will be missed by his many friends here in Middleton." Tributes have also been made by Council leader Alan Taylor and Rochdale Conservative leader Ashley Dearnley aswell as Mr Robertson's two fellow ward councillors.

"I have known Ian for over 20 years as a friend and colleague within the Labour Party, from when he first rang me to become a member. He was a student at Manchester University at the time on a career change. Within 2 years he had a 5-part heart by-pass, but quickly recuperated to get back out on the campaign trail.

"Ian decided he would like to become a Councillor after the death of his partner Ann, when he felt he had the time to make that commitment, although he was working full-time as a Senior Fellow at the University in the IT Centre.

"Ian had many exceptional qualities: he was an independent thinker, enjoyed lively debates, and would put forward an opposing point of view just for the fun of it. Ian, would see local issues through to the nth degree, would never do things by halves, and would lend a hand with any community campaign: If I had a problem he would help me find the solution as he did with everyone, with patience and diligence.

"When he became ill about five years ago he didn’t let it deter him from Council work and carried on working, going to meetings, and being out and about in the Ward between debilitating treatments, right to the end.

"Ian  will be sorely missed by his many friends here in Middleton."

Councillor Maureen Rowbotham
Middleton North Ward

"He was a very clever, very wise man and very thorough in his work as a councillor. He worked hard for all of his ward members. He had strong beliefs and opinions and always stuck by them. What you saw was what you got with Ian and I was very sad to hear that he had passed away.

"I don't know how he dealt with the illness but he worked very hard even when he was ill; he wouldn't stop. He was still involved right up to his last week and even wanted to bring his laptop into hospital so that he could keep up his work; his mind was fine and willing but his body sadly gave up in the end. He was a very good councillor and one that will be hard to replace. He was a credit to himself and to others; he was an excellent bloke."

Councillor Alan Godson
Middleton North Ward

"Middleton has lost a champion that people locally were prepared to listen to. Although he could be political, more often than not he had the best interests of the people of Middleton in mind. He was straight talking, always knew his facts and when he raised an issue it was always worth discussing. This Council will miss him."

Councillor Alan Taylor
Leader of Rochdale Council

"Ian was a very intelligent and able man. Whilst politically we may not have always agreed, he was someone for whom I had the greatest of respect and know how well he represented Middleton.

"He was a politician of the old school, with strong principled views, who would argue his point of view and still remain respectful to others with different opinions.

"Ian was a gentleman."

Councillor Ashley Dearnley
Leader of Rochdale Conservatives

Ian Robertson's funeral has been arranged for Friday 14 September, 11am at Middleton Crematorium.