TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘well-respected’ former Longtown councillor with a long history of dedicated public service.
Robert Dodds, known as Bob to friends and family, passed away at the Cumberland Infirmary on June 18 at the age of 82.
The former councillor and MOD firefighter was born and raised in Mossband before he later relocated to Longtown with his wife Adelle and their family. He would go on to serve on the Arthuret Parish Council and as a Labour councillor across the 1980s and 1990s.
Speaking fondly of Bob, his former colleague, ex-Carlisle Labour MP Eric Martlew, recounted how during the foot and mouth outbreak when the local area was badly affected, Bob pushed for the government to support the local region.
During his time as an Arthuret Parish councillor, he was involved in numerous projects in support of the council and its late chairman Allan Forsyth.
Year on year, he would be seen hanging Christmas lights near the community centre and organising the senior citizens' Christmas party.
A project close to Bob was the Longtown Swimming Pool.
He held the chairmanship and worked tirelessly alongside other committee members to keep the pool's doors open.
Despite their efforts, the pool was eventually shut down but Bob and his team tirelessly collected funds, hoping to reopen it.
Their primary intent was to provide a safe swimming alternative to the dangerous local river for youngsters.
Alongside Bob's voluntary and political work, he joined the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Fire Brigade in 1966 in Longtown following a period working in the motor trade.
His career in the fire service spanned over 40 years, earning him the title of leading fireman and a Long Service Good Conduct Medal after two decades.
His sub-officer, Mike Graham, remembered him fondly, describing him as "well respected and a lovely man to have an argument with."
His wife Adelle said Bob was a 'very kind, understanding and loving husband'.
"Even though I'm struggling and tired, we did everything we could to show and make him feel the love and care because he deserved it.
"I still can't believe that he has left us. I love him very, very much," she said.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here