Flags at half mast for much-loved Elias
"I was nine-years-old when I arrived and I've found when you come to Wolverhampton, you never want to leave."
The words of Elias Mattu, the much loved mayor and city councillor who has died, aged 59, following a battle with illness.
Father-of-three Mr Mattu was a devout Christian who excelled in a number of sports as a younger man.
He served as a councillor for almost 19 years and will be remembered for his warm heartedness and dedication to the people of the city he loved.
As a nine-year-old he came to Wolverhampton with his family from their native northern India.
He attended Graiseley School, Wulfrun College and Wednesbury College of Commerce and Technology, before going on to study law at Wolverhampton University whist working as a volunteer at the Citizens Advice Bureau.
He also studied for a certificate in management and a diploma in leadership and management at Warwick University.
As a 17-year-old he had been encouraged to take up politics by a college lecturer. "I picked the Labour party because it most closely represented my values," he said in an interview last year.
In May 2000 he was elected as a councillor for the Graiseley ward and went on to hold key Cabinet positions in charge of leisure and communities and adult services.
He also chaired the city's scrutiny panel and licensing committee and was a champion for equalities.
He always maintained a keen focus on ward issues, and he served as a vice chair of the St Chad's Association and Graiseley School Governing Body for 22 years – including 12 years as the chair of governors.
One of his major achievements as a councillor was in developing the city's community hubs.
The scheme received a fair amount of criticism when it was first mooted as a response to successive years of central government budget cuts, but it is now widely recognised as a major success story.
His colleague and friend Councillor Pete Bilson said: "Elias was responsible for the community hubs. He was the real driving force that made them such a success."
Mr Mattu's efforts with the hubs saw him shortlisted for a national award.
He was also instrumental in saving the city's Central Baths from closure in March 2014, pushing forward a scheme that preserved and revitalised leisure facilities in the city.
Having promised campaigners that he would leave 'no stone unturned' to try and find a way to keep the baths open, Mr Mattu was true to his word.
Mr Mattu also held significant roles on outside bodies representing the council, including the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority, West Midlands Police and Crime Panel, West Midlands Equality and Diversity Board, West Midlands LGA, the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) and its Central Regions Vice-Chairman.
Away from politics he was passionate about sports, and firmly believed in their power to instil discipline and a sense of purpose in young people.
Over the years, he participated in hockey, cricket and boxing. He excelled at martial arts and was a black belt in karate.
He was also a keen powerlifter, becoming a regional coach and referee.
In the late 1980s he opened his own club where he trained five British powerlifting champions and one European champion – successes he was extremely proud of.
Last May Mr Mattu achieved one of his major political ambitions when he was named the 159th mayor of Wolverhampton.
At the time he spoke of his immense pride in holding the position, and vowed to do all he could to promote the city.
"He was so looking forward to becoming Mayor, it meant the world to him," recalled Wolverhampton North East MP Emma Reynolds.
"Elias gave it his all but sadly illness caught up with him."
Mr Mattu described himself as a 'proud Christian' who always endeavoured to bring people together of all faiths and backgrounds.
Yesterday flags were flying at half mast at the city's Civic Centre in honour of Mr Mattu. Tributes have continued to pour in.
Councillor Roger Lawrence, the leader of Wolverhampton council, described him as a 'loyal, dedicated' man who will be 'profoundly missed'.
The city's opposition Conservative leader, Councillor Wendy Thompson, praised him for carrying out his mayoral duties 'with pride'.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said Mr Mattu was 'a dedicated public servant, who always put Wolverhampton first and was always there to help those in need'.
Dudley North Labour MP Ian Austin, said: "He fought to improve opportunities for local people and worked so hard to bring communities together."
Radio presenter Dicky Dodd said he was deeply saddened about the loss of 'our wonderful Mayor'.
Mohinder Singh, President of Wolverhampton's Indian Workers Association, said: "We have lost a great person – our shining star. He was one of the best politicians and a really great guy. We were shattered when we heard the news."
Mr Mattu died on February 22. He is survived by his wife Asha and children Anthony, Ishmael and Jessica.
A book of condolence is at the Civic Centre.
