Hon Alderman Bernard Parke Dies – MP Pays Tribute

Published on: 27 Feb, 2019
Updated on: 28 Feb, 2019

Hon Alderman Bernard Parke

Hon Alderman Bernard Parke died on Tuesday night (February 26, 2019) in the Royal Surrey County Hospital, following major surgery.

Alderman Parke, 81, was formerly a Mayor of Guildford and a borough councillor for Onslow.

It was announced at Tuesday’s full Guildford Borough Council meeting that he was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Taken from a GBC communication: “Bernard Parke was first elected to the Borough Council in 1979 for the Onslow Ward and served as a councillor for 12 years until 1991.

“He served on a number of committees, including the Arts and Recreation Committee (from 1979 to 1991); the Building and Works Committee (from 1979 to 1984 and from 1987 to 1989 – when he was vice-chairman); the Planning Committee (from 1984 to 1991); the Finance and Performance Sub-Committee (from 1980 to 1989); the Licensing and Transport Sub-Committee (from 1987 to 1989) and the Allotments Sub-Committee.

“Bernard was Mayor of Guildford in 1989-90.

“During his time as councillor, Bernard represented the council on many external organisations including:

Court of the University of Surrey
Guildford Area Highways Sub-Committee
Guildford & District Voluntary Service Overseas Committee
Guildford/Freiburg Association Executive Committee
Guildford Road Safety Advisory Sub-Committee
Guildford County Secondary School (governor)
Onslow County First School (governor)
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Trust

“On 22 March 2000, the council conferred the title of Honorary Alderman on Bernard in recognition of his eminent service rendered to the council both as a councillor and as past Mayor of the Borough.”

Guildford’s MP Anne Milton told The Dragon this afternoon: “I was extremely sad to hear the news that Bernard has died. He was such a big part of our life in Guildford, having served the town in so many ways. He was a font of knowledge on our history and heritage.

“I will miss Bernard very much – all his anecdotes and his historical gossip always bought a smile to my face! My thoughts and condolences are with his family at what I know will be a difficult time for them.”

Council Leader Paul Spooner added: “Bernard’s community involvement and commitment to the council was considerable, and the title of Honorary Alderman was given to Bernard in recognition of this. He represented Onslow Ward with dedication and will be remembered for his contribution to the borough and the residents of Onslow ward in particular.

“On a personal level I enjoyed the regular exchange of communication with Bernard and I will hold fond memories of our meetings together, particularly involving local media. Bernard really will be very sadly missed. He was truly a community-minded man of conviction.”

Guildford Dragon editor, Martin Giles, said: “Bernard Parke was a keen supporter of The Guildford Dragon NEWS from before its launch in March 2012. He cared deeply for Guildford and its residents and would often perform acts of kindness and practical help to others.

“His sense of duty would not allow him to sit back and become uninvolved and he retained the keenest interest in local affairs. Even last week he had a letter published and was in correspondence on stories we are working on.

“Always interested in local history, he wrote a series of articles “Parke’s People” which can still be found here within our archive.

“I and others on our team will truly miss him. It might have been his heart that eventually gave out but it was a heart was always firmly in the right place.”

Responses to Hon Alderman Bernard Parke Dies – MP Pays Tribute

Bill Stokoe Reply

February 27, 2019 at 1:19 pm

How sad. It wasn’t so long ago we last chatted. He enjoyed reminiscing about banking life. He has a proud record of public service and civic duty.
Alan Cooper Reply

February 27, 2019 at 2:40 pm

How very sad, he was and has been a vital part of Guildford for as long as I can remember. Will miss his searching letters.
Arjen Naafs - chair Beechcroft Drive Resident Association Reply

February 27, 2019 at 2:43 pm

We are saddened by this news and would like to express our gratitude for Bernard Parke, who has always been supportive of Guildford and its residents as a whole and who has been passionate in his support to us as residents of Beechcroft Drive and our access issues.

Arjen Naafs – chair of the Beechcroft Drive Resident Association
Jules Cranwell Reply

February 27, 2019 at 3:17 pm

Very sad news, Bernard and I corresponded daily on local affairs, right up until last week. He remained passionate about democracy in the borough until the end, and was a shining example of how to behave in office. I was aware he was unwell, but did not know it was so serious. He will be sorely missed.
Sue Fox Reply

February 27, 2019 at 3:39 pm

We will miss him. I don’t think we saw eye to eye on very much but had some hilarious discussions in the oddest of places. He was a fantastic friend to Bill and Doreen Bellerby. A true Guildfordian who cared more for the town than any party allegiances.
Jim Allen Reply

February 27, 2019 at 4:07 pm

What a loss to all who knew him – another real icon gone before.
Sara Tokunaga Reply

February 27, 2019 at 4:18 pm

What very sad news. RIP Bernard. You were a true champion of the people.
Fiona White Reply

February 27, 2019 at 5:06 pm

I am very sorry to hear that Bernard has died. He will be sadly missed by the people of Guildford. We talked quite often and he had a very wicked sense of humour. We often started off being quite serious and ended up laughing together. My condolences to his family. RIP Bernard.

Fiona White is a county councillor for Guildford West
Geoff Davis Reply

February 27, 2019 at 5:48 pm

So sad that Bernard did not survive his operation.

A real pillar of our town, in so many ways.

That jovial face will be much missed.

He was to be seen everywhere, notably in The County Club, holding court.

Geoff Davis is a borough councillor for Holy Trinity
Valerie Thompson Reply

February 27, 2019 at 6:35 pm

We will all miss his incisive letters to anyone who cared to listen or didn’t care at all. He was a dynamic force in Guildford life for many years and I too will miss corresponding with him.
Wendy Johnson Reply

February 27, 2019 at 8:29 pm

How sad that I did not have the privilege to meet him but I know that all his hard work in the past will have influenced the life of the borough over the years.
Tony Rooth Reply

February 27, 2019 at 9:49 pm

Bernard was really interested in Guildford, its past, present and future. He was a good company with a sense of humour. He used his experience to look at what was going and give us his independent views and ideas. Bernard will be well remembered.

Tony Rooth is the leader of the Independent Alliance at Guildford Borough Council.
Kay Newnham Reply

February 27, 2019 at 9:54 pm

As a former Surrey Advertiser reporter, I have so many fond memories of our chats. He was a fount of knowledge for all the young trainee reporters, many of whom he inspired with his enthusiasm and love of Guildford and its people.

I loved to read his incisive comments on The Guildford Dragon’s pages and he will be sadly missed by so many.

I am sure he will have much to talk about with our old editor’s Jack Penycate, Ted Adams – and our chief reporter, Annie Dent.

Rest In Peace Bernard.
Shirley West Reply

February 27, 2019 at 10:36 pm

Such sad news today of another respected gentleman who gave his all to the Guildford community.

I loved reading his comments and letters that appeared in the The Guildford Dragon and Surrey Advertiser. But most of all I will never forget his loyalty to the late Bill and Doreen Bellerby and I always enjoyed seeing him in Tesco when I was there collecting.

RIP to a very special man.
Colin Cross Reply

February 28, 2019 at 1:41 am

Radical, respectful, dedicated and loyal.

Irascible, humorous, cheeky, aware and caring.

Personable, attentive, generous in mind and spirit.

RIP Bernard.

Colin Cross is the borough councillor for Lovelace.
Bob McShee Reply

February 28, 2019 at 8:28 am

I was saddened to hear of the passing of my good friend Bernard. I will miss all of his phone calls.

A true campaigner, gentleman and Guildfordian.

Condolences to the family.

Bob McShee is a borough councillor for Worplesdon
Susan Parker Reply

February 28, 2019 at 9:04 am

Bernard was a brilliant, funny, charming, passionate man who cared deeply for Guildford. I mourn his quirky black humour, his puns, his incisive intelligence and his huge generosity of spirit. His telephone calls – frequent, witty, pithy, observant, acerbic – were always a joy.

He was absolutely very much himself – a campaigner and in a local context an elder statesman – until the end. It’s clear from the comments above that many loved him.

I also think he would have enjoyed, and been wryly amused by, the public tributes here. One of the last things he said to me, before going into hospital, was “We have to keep fighting. There aren’t many of us left, and I’m on borrowed time.”

I will miss you, my friend.

Susan Parker is a borough councillor for Send.
Pauline Searle Reply

February 28, 2019 at 9:52 am

So sorry to hear about Bernard.

He had a real knowledge of and interest in Guildford past and present. A wonderful sense of humour, you would be talking to him and you could see the twinkle in his eyes and you know he was going to say something that would make you laugh.

A great character, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Pauline Searle is a borough councillor for Stoughton.
Nils Christiansen Reply

February 28, 2019 at 10:18 am

What a sad loss. Bernard was a very special man who remained dedicated to civic life right to the very end. He used his influence to great effect, and was always bending ears to raise the profile of the many issues on which he so successfully campaigned.

I enjoyed my many chats and emails with Bernard and will miss him terribly. If you want to understand what it means to be a Guildford Alderman, look no further than the life of Bernard Parke.
Bob Hughes Reply

February 28, 2019 at 10:45 am

Bernard will be missed by all who know his contribution to the life of our town. He was a former chairman of Guildford Conservatives, and he was always there to give me advice and support. I will miss that. Our town has lost a great champion.

Bob Hughes is the chairman of the Guildford Conservative Association
Karen Stevens Reply

February 28, 2019 at 3:55 pm

I’m so sad to hear that Bernard has died. He was a true pillar of the community and a true friend. I, too, will miss his phone calls, which often ended with his favourite piece of advice: “Illigitimi non carborundum”.
Bibhas Neogi Reply

February 28, 2019 at 7:10 pm

So sorry to hear of this sad news. I had the privilege of meeting Bernard Parke and talking to him on several occasions and discussed traffic issues of Guildford. His comments on The Guildford Dragon will be sorely missed. Bernard was passionate about everything in Guildford and wanted solutions of its problems for the good of all. May his soul progress to the world of lights of God.
Barbara Ford Reply

February 28, 2019 at 9:25 pm

Bernard was also a long-standing member, and for many years a committee member, of the Guildford Twinning Association – town twinning being another cause dear to his heart. I too will miss his phone calls and emails, which continued right up to the end. A charming, witty, passionate and persevering man, with an amazing memory for every detail of Guildford history and a big heart.

Barbara Ford is the chair of the Guildford Twinning Association
Fiona Curtis Reply

March 1, 2019 at 6:26 pm

I am truly saddened to hear about this. Bernard Parke really was a ‘man of the people’ and not just when it suited but always and right up until the end. I admired him for many reasons, not least being his tenacity.

When asked to pursue matters he did so politely but directly and when responses were less than helpful (many of us can empathise with that one) he did not throw in the towel but persisted, even when doing so made him unpopular with the ‘powers that be’.

Like many, including those who never met him but felt they knew him (from his many letters and the way in which he engaged with everyone from all walks of life), I will miss him.
Mary Bedforth Reply

March 5, 2019 at 2:44 pm

I am very sorry to hear this sad news.

We used to meet up at the Mount with our dogs and he always had something to tell us.

Condolences to Pam, his widow, and his family.

A great loss to the town.