David Tibbs – A committed councillor who enlivened Town Hall meetings
THE recent death of David Tibbs deprives Islington of one of its most colourful former councillors.
Mr Tibbs, who passed away on July 3, will be remembered with particular affection in Clerkenwell, which he served as one of its first Liberal Democrat councillors from 1994 to 1998, and where he worked for many years for Rimmer’s, the uniform suppliers.
Mr Tibbs was born in 1954 into a Navy family and spent part of his childhood in the troubled outpost of Aden where his father was posted in the 1960s.
Later, his family settled in Hove, East Sussex, where he completed his secondary education before attending the South Bank Polytechnic. He graduated in Humanities and took up a career in accountancy.
In 1994, Mr Tibbs was elected on a tide of local dissatisfaction with Islington Council, notably the condition of its crumbling council estates, its streets and, indeed, with virtually every council service.
He maintained an impressive casework load on behalf of the many Clerkenwell residents who came to his surgeries for help.
Mr Tibbs also enjoyed taking an active part in the planning affairs of the borough and his wide learning could enliven even the dullest council meeting.
After standing down from the council in 1998, he had more time for his wide array of interests, including music, reading, skiing, walking, birdwatching, swimming and sailing.
After qualifying as an accountant, he moved on to working for a firm of solicitors.
He was delightful company and brought his infectious sense of humour to almost every activity. He continued to be active in the Islington Liberal Democrats, both as their treasurer, and as an occasional candidate.
In late 2009, he was diagnosed with cancer, and fought bravely against it with the help of his wide circle of friends and relatives, continuing his professional work from home until almost the end and keeping people up-to-date with an internet blog.
There was standing room only at his cremation at Islington Crematorium on July 13, led by Rev Andrew Baughen, Vicar of St James, Clerkenwell.
Mr Tibbs is survived by his brothers, Mike and Peter, and their families, and by his mother, Joan, a former Wren.
GEORGE ALLAN
Published: 22 July, 2011