"HE was a genuine man of York".

Tributes have been paid to one of York's longest serving councillors, Brian Watson, who has died suddenly, aged 86.

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His wife, Marcia, confirmed that Brian died unexpectedly of a heart attack on Saturday (June 15) in York Hospital having gone in for a minor operation.

When Brian left City of York Council in 2015, he was the city's longest-serving councillor, serving for 36 years, having first been elected in 1979.

Brian as Lord Mayor Brian as Lord Mayor

Brian represented the city-centre ward of Guildhall and was both a former Lord Mayor, Sheriff and an alderman.

Former Guildhall ward councillor, Janet Looker, worked alongside Brian for decades and said: "I was always terribly adventurous and he was always cautious, but I think in some ways we got a great balance. He was an absolutely dedicated local councillor. When he got a cause in his head, he would work forever to get it sorted."

Current Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Margaret Wells, said: “Brian was a good friend to me and was always supportive of my work. We had known each other for about twenty years and having only just  seen him at the annual council meeting a few weeks ago, his death came as a terrible shock to me. As well as politics we shared a love of the York City Knights and we enjoyed the roller coaster of emotions that all sports fans experience.

“I shall miss the humour and passion that he brought to everything he did. My thoughts and love are very much with Marcia and the rest of his family.”

Former Conservative ward councillor Ian Gillies said: "Brian was a genuine man of York and he was very protective of the role of the civic party.

"He was incredibly proud of York's history and protective towards it.

"He worked very well to support all the Guilds in the city and the Normandy veterans. He was supportive of the Sheriff's movement.

"He had a very dry sense of humour - on one occasion in a council meeting when a lovely old lady went over her allotted three minutes objecting to an application and the chairman told her she had to stop, when it came to questions from members Brian turned to her and said: 'If you had more than three minutes what would you have said?'" 

Ian GilliesIan Gillies

Brian's political career came to a dramatic end after he was deselected by Labour ahead of the 2015 City of York Council elections and remained on the council as an Independent.

He stood unsuccessfully in 2015 to continue as an Independent councillor in the Guildhall ward, and, having maintained an interest in council affairs over the intervening years, stood again as an Independent in 2019, but this time in the Acomb ward, where he lived, but the bid proved unsuccessful.

Brian leaves his wife, Marcia, his two children and four grandchildren.

Community answers

Book of condolence for Brian Watson

"Please leave your tribute to Brian Watson below - and share any photos"

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Colin Stroud

Your tribute to Brian WatsonDuring my time with York CVS I worked with Brian on many occasions and had great respect for his integrity, opinions and local knowledge. He was truly ‘a man of the people’ and will be fondly remembered by many.

From James Alexander

Your tribute to Brian WatsonBrian was kind, funny and would often say what needed to be said. I enjoyed going fishing with Brian and putting the world to rights. He will be missed. His commitment to just causes and York was paramount. My thoughts are with Marcia and the family.

From Lesley Bowes

Your tribute to Brian WatsonA great Councillor for the Guildhall Ward and a staunch supporter of the Navigation and Walmgate Community Association , he got su much done for the residents

From Councillor Martin Rowley BEM

Your tribute to Brian WatsonBrian always had time for everyone who cared to engage with him. He was knowledgeable, in particularly with regards to York, its heritage and the Civic Party. He was one of few Alderman who attended every full council. His presence will be very much missed.

From Tony Richardson

Your tribute to Brian WatsonBrian mate you were the best of the party's that made up the Council. My time as a City councillor was always brightened when you came into the room. The newts of the vanguard will always be your badge of office. Rest in peace mate you will be sadly missed. For city councillor Tony Richardson

From peter brown

Your tribute to Brian WatsonAs leader of the Tory group on the council, I had utterly respect for Brian's honesty and integrity, even though our political views differed. He was kind and thoughtful and a good friend. He could be relied on to bring an open mind to all discussions without bias or prejudice. Only a few weeks ago, he gave me some very useful advice when I gave him a lift home from a meeting. He brought real strengths to the offices of Sheriff and Lord Mayor. His wit and humour will be sadly missed

From Tony Fisher

Your tribute to Brian WatsonBrian was the epitome of what a good councillor should be. His passing is a sad loss after his many years of service to the city. He really cared about York and its civic history. Condolences to his family. RIP Brian.