Councillor Ian Robertson dies following long illness

Councillor Ian Robertson

Councillor Ian Robertson sadly passed away on Friday morning, 7 September, after succumbing to a long-term illness. Councillor Robertson defied his illness to serve his community and constituents as a councillor for North Middleton ward for five years. His death, although in some ways expected, has sent shock waves through the Rochdale Labour party, of whom Councillor Robertson was a member and throughout Rochdale Council, as most did not expect his death to come so soon.

Fellow ward Councillor Alan Godson paid this tribute to Councillor Robertson: "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."

Mr Robertson was a keen fundraiser for the Lifeboat Association and dedicated much of his later life to arranging campaigns and fundraisers for the charity. Councillor Godson also said that he was one of the first to arrive to help set up at the 'MidFest' festival and also the last to leave. "That was what Ian was all about", said Councillor Godson, "100 per cent commitment."

The leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Alan Taylor said of Councillor Robertson: "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."

Mr Robertson leaves behind two daughters. It is believed that one of them was with him when he died. His partner had died not long ago from the same disease.

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