Tributes to Brian Castle

Ealing Councillor dies suddenly of a heart attack

Father of three and respected Ealing Councillor, Brian Castle, has died at just 51 of a heart attack at his Hanwell home.

Mr Castle had a history of heart trouble but his death was nevertheless a great shock.

"It was only last week that he we saw him fit and healthy, so this comes as big shock to everyone," said a Conservative spokesperson.

Councillor Castle was a respected Tory cabinet member for Regeneration and Economic Development.

He had been an Ealing councillor since 1998, firstly for the former Argyle ward and more recently the Cleveland ward. Since May last year, he was also a member of the Ealing Area Committee.

On his blog, Councillor Phil Taylor paid tribute: "I had not had the chance to get to know Brian that well but he always came across as being intelligent and capable and the kind of person you would be glad to have on your side."

Local resident, Robert Darke, echoed the sentiment: "During his introductory talk at West Ealing Neighbours Brian Castle, from a longstanding Hanwell family, stressed the importance of creating local opportunities for his and our children and grandchildren. His local knowledge, family and community values will be missed because its a difficult task to encourage suitable economic development whilst resisting worrying over-development.”

Ealing Council Leader Jason Stacey said David had been at the forefront of the council's drive to revitalise our town centres with a vision to make the borough a thriving hub for business and enterprise.

“We are all shocked and devastated and our hearts go out to his family," said Mr Stacey. “Brian was an enormously hard working person who always showed total dedication, commitment and energy in his working life and as a councillor.

“We will miss him enormously as a Cabinet Member and ward councillor, but more importantly as a colleague and a friend.”

June 14, 2007