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Tributes for first chief executive Kenneth Wilson
KENNETH Wilson, the first chief executive of Wealden District Council who also helped set up Hailsham's leisure centre, has died.
Mr Wilson, described by family as 'a very astute, caring man', passed away after collapsing at home in Hawthylands Road, Hailsham, on January 21 following a clot on his lung. He was 83.
Mr Wilson, whose son Grenville is a Detective Superintendent with Sussex Police, was also an active member of Hailsham Rotary Club and Care for the Carers.
Friends and family will attend his funeral at Eastbourne Crematorium tomorrow (Thursday).
Born in Clovelly in Devon, Mr Wilson passed a law degree through a correspondence course and was clerk of Hailsham Rural District Council from 1963.
When Hailsham and Uckfield Rural District Councils merged to form Wealden District Council in 1974, Mr Wilson was named the new authority's first chief executive.
He retired on February 28, 1985 and was succeeded in the top job by Derek Holness.
Although being a non-swimmer himself, Mr Wilson was also instrumental in helping to plan for the first swimming pools and leisure centres in Hailsham, Crowborough and Uckfield.
On his retirement from Wealden, he became treasurer of Swimming Pool Local Appeal Scheme for Hailsham, which helped raise money to build and set up the Lagoon, now Freedom Leisure.
Son Peter said, "He was a non-swimmer but as a father of four children facilities for young people were important to him.
"All of us had grown up by the time it became a reality but the following generations have enjoyed it.
"He was a very astute, caring man who will be missed by many hundreds of people whose lives he touched."
Wealden District Council said it was 'saddened' to learn of Mr Wilson's death.
A spokesperson said, "He worked very hard for Wealden and is fondly remembered by all those who worked with him, some of whom are still working for Wealden today."
Mr Wilson leaves behind widow Jean, children Peter, Heidi, Grenville, Serena and foster son Christian, and grandchildren Tom, George, Kelly, Frankie, Harry, Matthew, Alfie and Alice.
After the funeral, Mr Wilson's family will be at the Boship Hotel from 3.30pm for those who wish to join them.
They have requested no flowers, with donations to UNICEF's Haiti Earthquake Children's Appeal instead.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
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Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
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