Tributes have been paid to a former Derbyshire councillor who died months after an attack in his home that led to the death of his wife.
In the first full council meeting of North East Derbyshire District Council since the summer break on Monday, October 3, councillors remembered the ‘gentleman’ and ‘joker’ Ken Walker, following the sad news of his passing on August 29, aged 88.
Vice chairman Councillor Martin Thacker commented that the memories of Ken Walker and his wife Freda, who had previously served as chairman and consort of Bolsover District Council, were honoured at the Bolsover Brass Festival, in Shirebrook, last weekend.
He said: “It was emotional to hear the applause in respect for Ken and Freda.
“Both had been associated with the festival for almost 16 years.”
The retired couple were subjected to an attack at their home, in Station Road, Langwith Junction, in January this year, during which 86-year-old Freda died and Ken was seriously injured.
Coun Thacker continued: “The attack on them both in their home was truly shocking, it has left the community devastated by Freda’s death, and now we have lost Ken.”
He commented that he had been ‘privileged’ to know the couple for nearly two decades, and they were part of a ‘close knit circle of valued friends’.
“It was a time of lots of laughter, even though some of Ken’s many jokes could be a little corny, but I found them funny,” Coun Thacker continued.
“Ken had a joke for every occasion and was good at putting people at ease.
“This was a valuable skill when he and Freda served as chair and consort of Bolsover District Council, a role that Ken held for several years, despite Freda saying ‘don’t come back from group meeting and agree to another year’ – of course Ken couldn’t say ‘no’.
“I for one am glad he didn’t, because Ken and Freda represented Bolsover brilliantly.”
He said his friend was ‘always about putting people first’, concluding: “It is my sincere hope that he is reunited with his greatest love, Freda.
“Rest in peace Ken.”
Thirty-three-year-old Vasile Culea is due to stand trial at Derby Crown Court on Monday, October 10, for Freda’s murder, a charge he denies.
He will not face charge over Ken’s death, as a post mortem revealed it was the result of ‘natural causes’.
