Aberdeenshire Council leaders have paid tribute to former councillor Patricia Oddie after she died yesterday at the age of 66.
Friends and colleagues have spoken with fondness of Mrs Oddie, who stood down on health grounds ahead of this year’s election.
She represented the community of West Garioch from her election in May 2012 until earlier this year.
During her time in office she sat on the social work and housing committee as well as being a substitute member of the then education learning and leisure committee.
Colleagues said Mrs Oddie was well respected within her community as a hardworking and committed member who always did the best for the people of West Garioch.
She has been described by those close to her as “considerate, caring and respectful”, with great drive and determination to help anyone she could.
In tribute, Aberdeenshire Council leader Jim Gifford said: “Patricia was an incredibly kind and thoughtful lady and I know she loved her time serving as a councillor. Her boundless good humour, enthusiasm and positive attitude brightened many a day and she will be missed by all who knew her.”
Leader of the Lib Dem group Peter Argyle said: “She touched everyone with her courage, her humour and her determination. She was held in universally high regard and affection. Put simply, Patricia was a lovely lady and an exceptional colleague.”
Leader of the Independent Group Councillor Norman Smith voiced his “deepest condolences” and said: “Aberdeenshire has lost a champion but that pales in comparison to the loss her family and friends are feeling.”
Leader of the SNP group Richard Thomson also paid tribute to Mrs Oddie and said: “Her kind spirit and commitment was compelling and I have no doubt that these sentiments will be shared by colleagues from across the political divide.”
Leader of the Aberdeenshire Labour and Communities Alliance group Councillor Alison Evison joined the council at the same time as Mrs Oddie and said: “Patricia always cared deeply about helping the community. She had a real understanding of people and her insight was so valuable.”
Councillor Paul Johnston, leader of the Democratic Independent and Green group, said: “In all of my dealing with Patricia, both in and out of the council chamber, she was always a considerate, caring and respectful individual. We will miss her a great deal.”