'I've never witnessed anything like it and summed up his deep caring, kindness': Tributes to former Dudley councillor who has died aged 90
The only time Steve Waltho ever lost an election, it was to his close friend Graham Debney - and they were both standing for the same party.
They had both served as Labour councillors in Wordsley ward on Dudley Council for a number of years, but in 2003 the changing political weather meant Councillor Debney lost his seat to the Conservatives.
The following year, the authority had an 'all up' election, where all 72 seats were up for grabs, and the three top candidates in each ward were elected. In Wordsley, the first two places went to Conservative candidates, and Mr Debney regained his seat, taking third place. But his win meant that Councillor Waltho, who came just four votes behind, lost his seat on the council.
But it's what happened next that will stay with Mr Waltho forever.
"Graham had popped outside for a smoke on his beloved pipe and came back in to receive my congratulations," recalls Mr Waltho.
"He asked what had happened and when I told him he was horrified and asked a bemused elections officer if I could have his place on the council instead," he says.
"I've never witnessed anything like it and summed up his deep caring, kindness, putting others first."
Mr Waltho, who later returned to Dudley Council, served as mayor, and is now an honorary alderman, is among those who paied tribute to Mr Debney, who has died aged 90 after a period of illness.
Mr Debney was Labour councillor for Wordsley over two spells, first from 1998 to 2003. and then from 2004 to 2006.
Tim Sunter, who was leader of the council when Mr Debney was first elected, remembered his colleague for his eye for detail and his sense of humour.
“Graham was passionate about serving the people of Wordsley," he said.
"On the council he made a great contribution on the development control committee, really getting to grips with key issues. He was always ready with a joke and a smile and was a pleasure to work with.”
Mr Waltho recalled how he, Councillor Debney and the late Councillor Bill Cody were dubbed the 'dream team' in the local press for their work in the community.
"Graham was a great ally to work with and was a force to be reckoned with when fighting cases for his Wordsley constituents as many a council officer will testify," he said.
"He served tirelessly for years on the committee of Wordsley Community Association and other Wordsley organisations. He was a multi-talented individual with a wicked sense of humour.
Janet Blakeway, chairman of Wordsley Community Association, said Mr Debney was a committed member of the association right up until his death.
"Graham was our president for many, many years," she said. "He did a lot of wonderful work for the community centre and the people of Wordsley.
"I was still meeting him at his house, and he had just had a party to celebrate his 90th birthday. He even used to come to our meetings when he was in a wheelchair.
"He was father Christmas for us on many occasions, he was very much a music man and he played the organ. He had been an RAF pilot and was very proud of serving his country."
Former sparring partner Peter Miller, who was a Conservative councillor in neighbouring Kingswinford South, was a friend of Mr Debney long before his time on the council.
"I had known Graham for more than 40 years," he said.
"I first got to know him in when I kept a hardware shop in Kingswinford, and he used to be a customer."
Mr Miller said he remembered his fellow councillor as a ferocious advocate for his area.
"He was very forthright, he had opinions and he stuck to them. He was a nice man and he was always fun to be with. He had led a very interesting life."
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire MP Mike Wood, whose area includes Wordsley, also paid tribute.
"Graham and I may have disagreed on many things, but he was a good man who cared passionately for Wordsley and worked hard for the community. May he rest in peace." As well as his council role, Mr Debney had served as a director of Stourbridge Navigation Trust and Wordsley Housing Society.
Mr Debney, who died in May, leaves a widow Linda and a son Mark.
