Stalwart who put his community first

Mr Kemp, who was born in Humberside, was an active member of his local community, serving on several committees and volunteering for numerous groups.

He was a governor at Greetland School and Brooksbank School, a committee member for Greetland Community Centre, and was chairman of the Elland Carnival Committee.

He was also involved in the Elland Silver Band, treasurer of the Friends of Brighouse Station, and was heavily involved in Elland Rotary Club.

He was also a local councillor on Elland Urban District Council, representing West Vale.

He was a Liberal councillor for the Greetland and Elland ward, and should have been Mayor of Calderdale but he wasn’t allowed the time off work to fulfill the role.

He was the last station master at Greetland and Elland station.

After working there, he got a job with Bondina, which was taken over by Freudenbergs.

He worked there as distribution manager until he retired, setting-up the distribution centre in Elland.

His son Peter said: “He was just a lovely man, a gentleman who served his community.

“He spent his whole life serving the community of Elland and Greetland.

“He loved anything to do with trains and he also liked jigsaws.

“He loved Halifax. He lived in the same house in Greetland for 56 years.

“He loved the hills and valleys, and loved being a councillor.

“He wasn’t a political person, he was a community person who just wanted to serve his community.”

Mr Kemp was married Pam, who died five years ago, for 67 years. He leaves two children, Peter, 55, and Philip, 58, a daughter in law, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

His funeral is on Wednesday, July 4 at 1pm at Southgate Methodist Church, Elland.