Willie was one of a kind in so many ways, as a communist Councillor the longest serving in Britain, one of the longest serving Councillors in Fife and a local Trade Union leader known nationally, but most of all it was his ability to listen to others and his determination to help others, to fight for others that stands him out from the crowd.
It was a great privilege to work alongside Willie over many years and see first-hand how driven he was through a very simple belief in justice and people. Willie served Fife with great distinction and no more so than in his role as the Chair of Cowdenbeath area where he fought our corner to ensure this area got its fair share of investment. Nowhere was he more happy than when he was visiting schools and speaking with and listening to the children of the area. Willies view was these youngsters are the future and we had a responsibility to support them.
We lose a great friend, a comrade and a fighter for working people, our hearts go out to Betty and all the family, but we can truly celebrate the life of a great man driven by the want to help others and by a true belief in justice for all.
I did a longer tribute to Willie in 2013 to mark 40 years as a Councillor in Fife, if you would like to read more then please see here: https://www.alexrowley.org/tribute-to-willie-clarke/
