Rest in Peace - Denis TurnerThe Lord Bilston.

It was with much sadness that I heard of Denis Turner's death last night, it came In a phone call from his long term friend Ken Purchase.

I had knew for a time that Denis, Lord Bilston to give him his Parliamentary title, had been ill and was struggling to regain good health. I wrote to Denis just last week to wish him well. I wrote to inform him that when the sun was shining again and when Pat felt he was up to a visit, both Mary and I would come a calling. I am glad I wrote that letter now.

Lord Bilston was one of the finest men I have ever met. He was a kind man, and he was a family man. He loved his wife Pat, and his children and their extended family. He was never far away in thought from his home of Bradley and Bilston. He was a man given to public service. He represented people very well.

He gave a good part of his life to Wolverhampton Council, and the West Midlands County Council. Then sitting first in the House of Commons as Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton South East, where he took over the seat from his good friend Bob Edwards, and latterly in the House of Lords as Lord Bilston.

I have too many stories of Denis to repeat here, but I am pleased to have been in the House of Lords when he was installed as a Life Peer.

I will miss Denis, but I will not miss him as much as his family will. They are a very close knit bunch, and no matter how deep the sympathy and how sincere our condolences, they will not cover the pain of his loss to them. I just hope with the passing of time that each day they live on the grief they feel now will diminish.

As for Bilston and Wolverhampton, there is so much he helped to construct here for its citizens, his personal contribution to our lives will live on in history. To his family thank you for sharing a great socialist with us, we are all that bit richer for having that experience. Rest in Peace friend.