Cllr David Simmons - one of Adur's most popular and well-respected councillors who “had time for everyone and helped countless people” - has sadly died.
David represented Cokeham Ward from 2006 to 2014 and Hillside Ward, in Southwick, from 2014 until the time of his death and was Adur District Council's Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing until 2020. He passed away peacefully last Friday.
Prior to retirement at the rank of Inspector, David had a successful 30-year-career with Sussex Police. He was also the serving Chair of the Sir Robert Woodard Academy's governing body, and a former West Sussex County Councillor, representing Southwick, until May this year.
He leaves a widow, Pauline, plus a son, Damon and two daughters, Paula and Hanna, with his late wife, Tina, and 14 grandchildren.
David was renowned throughout Adur and West Sussex as a man with an unrivalled work ethic, strong sense of community and a phenomenal desire to help people and champion the underdog.
During his time as both a senior Police Officer and subsequent election as a councillor in 2006, he fought tirelessly to help local people, particularly the young and those with special educational needs. He also strived to improve community race relations and to divert young people away from lives of crime.
Following his death, friends and colleagues gave thanks for the huge contribution he made to local communities and highlighted his lasting legacy.
East Worthing and Shoreham MP, Tim Loughton, said:
“Dave was one of the hardest working and most dedicated councillors I have ever had the pleasure to work with and I am immensely grateful for all the kindness he showed me. He gave so much to his community, in so many ways, and will be greatly missed by many constituents.
“Whether it was his involvement with the schools he served as Governor such as the Sir Robert Woodard Academy, his distinguished career in the police service, his work on protecting vulnerable children and families both at County Hall and at Adur, his support for his church and particularly through the choir, or his skill and compassion in just solving problems for local people as a local councillor, Dave always threw himself into everything he did with great gusto and success.
“He could always be relied on to take up problems and casework and see them through and he was highly effective in the many years of public service that he generously gave and which touched so many people's lives for the better. He will be very, very hard to replace and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, of whom I am proud and fortunate to have been one of many.”
