City councillors paid emotional tributes to former Dunedin mayor Richard Walls at yesterday's Dunedin City Council meeting.
Mr Walls (74) died suddenly at his home on Sunday - just over one year after finally losing his council seat - prompting councillors to stand in silent memory of their former colleague.
Councillors spoke of Mr Walls' dedication to public service and the city of Dunedin, as well as his enthusiasm for a debate, good humour, extensive council knowledge and willingness to help new councillors.
Cr Neil Collins described Mr Walls as a good and loyal friend who "lived life to the full", while Cr Syd Brown believed he represented the "ideal politician".
"He was sincere, his integrity was of the highest value and he was a highly principled person, but at the heart of it all his whole aim was to serve the community," Cr Brown said.
Cr Fliss Butcher wiped away tears after describing how proud she was to have known and worked with him, while Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull praised Mr Walls' "commitment to Dunedin, which he exercised for many, many years".
Mr Walls' public service stretched back to 1962. He was mayor from 1989 until 1995, a National Party member of Parliament from 1975 to 1978, and a city councillor until last year's local body election.
He was chairman of directors at Dunedin International Airport Ltd, and was made a Companion of the Queen's Service Order (QSO) for public service in 1996.
Councillors stood for a minute's silence at the end of the tributes, and voted to note "with sadness" his death and send condolences to wife June and the rest of his family.
Cr Paul Hudson also acknowledged the death of former councillor Robin Archer (82), who died on Saturday.
"To have lost the two of them within a few days of each other is very, very sad."
Obituaries will follow.
