TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'remarkable servant of Otley' who has died aged 80.

Graham Kirkland, a well known councillor and GP in the town for many decades, passed away at Leeds General Infirmary on Saturday, October 15, following a stroke.

Dr Kirkland, who was born in Wolverhampton, met his wife-to-be Joan at Leeds Medical School and after graduating in 1959 worked at the LGI and Leeds Maternity Hospital.

He married in 1961 and, after moving to Stoke on Trent to work, moved back to Yorkshire in 1963 when he became a partner in the Westgate Medical Practice in Otley.

Dr Kirkland's long political career began when he became a councillor in the Otley Urban District Council in 1967, and he went on to be elected to Otley Town Council and then Leeds City Council.

He was to remain at the forefront of local politics for the Liberal Democrats until his retirement from the council in 2012, and amassed a wealth of honours and key positions in the process.

They included:

*Being made Lord Mayor of Leeds, from 1998 to 1999

*Serving as Vice Chairman of West Yorkshire Fire Authority

*Twice serving as Otley Town Mayor

*Being made an Alderman of Leeds in 2012.

He also served as Chairman of Harewood Housing and was a governor at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School and Prince Henry's Foundation.

A statement issued by his family said: "Graham was a loving husband to Joan for 55 years, father to Jonathan and Sue, and doting grandfather to Joshua and Oliver.

"We will miss his sense of humour and thoughtfulness.

"He loved Otley and had a mind full of useful information about the town, its history, societies and people.

"As a doctor he would treat the whole patient and try to ensure that underlying issues such as housing were addressed, as well as the medical issue that brought them to surgery.

"The family would like to thank the brilliant staff in the Stroke Unit at the LGI for their care and understanding and everyone for their kind words, thoughts and prayers."

Otley Town Council Chairman Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) said: "I am sad to hear the news of Graham's passing and I wish to express my condolences to the Kirkland family for their loss.

"He was a remarkable servant to the Otley community in both his professional and political life for many decades and I know he will be remembered fondly by the many who were positively affected by his work.

"He leaves a huge legacy of public service and remains an inspiration and exemplary role model for those of us who continue to serve our community."

Cllr Georgeson added that the Otley Town Flag would be flown at half-mast on the day of Dr Kirkland's funeral as a sign of respect.

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) said: "Graham Kirkland made a huge contribution to the communities he served for so many years in Otley, Wharfedale, Yeadon and in Leeds.

"Graham was a Councillor for an extraordinary 45 consecutive years as well as serving as Lord Mayor of Leeds and Otley Town Mayor, as well of course as serving local people as a GP and, previously, a hospital doctor.

"His loss will be felt by many, many people in the local community, including me. I was deeply saddened to hear the news and will miss Graham very much.

"My sincere condolences and my thoughts and prayers are with Joan his wife and fellow GP, his son Jonathan and daughter Sue, and grandsons Joshua and Oliver."

Councillor Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) added: "Graham served the community of Otley for more than forty years as a GP and a councillor.

"He dedicated the best years of his life to unselfishly serving our community and I know there are plenty of residents thankful that he made us better, either medically or by helping us in his councillor role."

A service of Thanksgiving for Dr Kirkland’s life will be held at Otley All Saints Parish Church at 2pm on Friday, October 28 and is open to all.