TRIBUTES have been paid by the wife in memory of a four-time Ulverston Mayor who worked his whole life in the service of his community.

David Miller passed away on July 9, at the age of 78, and was a former councillor for the area.

He was born in Ulverston in 1944 on January 26.

His career saw him serve as Town Mayor in 1995 to 1996, 2000 to 2001, 2002 to 2003, and 2005 to 2006.

Remembered for his dedication to the community and work with youth groups, Dave will be missed by those who knew him.

His wife Val said: “It is amazing that he was a four-time Mayor. I don’t think anyone else has managed that.

“We met in 1963 when Dave used to be a church goer at St Mary’s Church, where he was also in the youth club and a Sunday school teacher.

“I was at St Mark’s Church in Barrow and both churches used to join up and go on holidays with the groups.

“We had met before, but he asked me out in 1963 when we were in Yorkshire.

“We married five years later in 1968 at St Mark’s Church.

“We have three children. Allison, our eldest, and Graham and Darren.

“Alison works in a residential home in Ulverston, Graham is also a former member of Ulverston Town Council and lives in Australia. Darren is our youngest and works as a manager.  

“Dave was different with so many different people. He loved kids and they really took to him.

“One memory that sticks out was at Christmas once, the boys got a remote-control police car, and Dave played with it so much the battery went before they got a go with it.

“He was very friendly, a good councillor and very passionate about Ulverston.

“He was the chairman of the housing committee, and he held the position with great pride.

“So many people who he worked with sent him Christmas cards every year after. It was so nice to see them all.

“We both joined the council. I joined first in 1981 or 83, and Dave followed.

“When the role of Mayor came, we were both nominated for the job.

“I don’t think anyone has ever been four times a mayor before. He took to it really well and could work with both people in Labour and Conservative.

“I’d just really like to thank everyone who have been so kind and I’d like to thank everyone whose been in touch by phone or by card.

“It’s a big factory in Dave’s life that he did live with depression, but he never really showed it, he just plodded along.

“One big point of pride for him was when he met the Duchess of Gloucester during her visit to Cumbria and he was Mayor.”

The Town Council flew their flag at half mast last week in memory of David, and his funeral will be held on August 3.