GLOWING tributes have been paid to Ian Greenwood, the former Council leader who died late last year, aged 68.

Former colleagues, friends and his godchildren paid tribute to Mr Greenwood in a memorial service held at Bradford Cathedral on Frisay.

YOUR TRIBUTES: Ian Greenwood book of condolence

Mr Greenwood was only last year re-elected to Bradford Council representing Bolton & Undercliffe, having previously been leader of Bradford Council twice during a career spanning four decades, receiving an OBE for services to local Government in 2013.

He died following a short illness last November.

A friend of Mr Greenwood’s for more than 40 years, former Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe described him as a “unique power force”.

He said: “Ian saw strengths and abilities in people that they didn’t think they had in themselves.

“He was a bear of a man, a teddy bear to his family, and a grizzly bear to bullies and those who deserved to have their heads intellectually ripped off.

“We have lost an irrepressible and irreplaceable force for good in Bradford.”

Current Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe also paid tribute to a “hugely respected man” who “always looked for the good in people”.

She said: “Ian led this city through difficult times that would have left many people crushed.

“He worked not for himself, but for Bradford and its people. If people had Bradford’s best interests at heart he would always give them a chance.

“He loved Bradford and spoke about it with such pride, Bradford has lost one of its greatest friends and proudest sons.”

Geraldine Howley, chief executive of Incommunities, said she first met Mr Greenwood when she worked in the Council’s housing department, and they became such good friends that he was made godfather to her children.

She said: “He was an accomplished man and a kind, caring family friend.”

Mrs Howley’s daughter Louise also shared her memories of Mr Greenwood.

She added: “I am incredibly lucky to have had him in my life.

“Our favourite memory of him is when we went to see Gareth Gates switch on the Christmas lights in City Park, but arrived late so we were at the back and couldn’t hear anything, so he called someone in City Hall and told them to turn the volume up, and the next thing you knew we could hear perfectly.

“Bradford without Ian is unthinkable, but his legacy will live on forever, and I hope we can make him as proud as he made us.”

Imran Hussain, MP for Bradford East, said Mr Greenwood was “at his happiest serving the people of this district”, and he remembers him as “Mr Bradford, a friend, comrade and colleague”.

Other speakers at the service included Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Zulfi Karim, and Rodney Barton from the West Yorkshire Pension Fund.

The City of Bradford Brass Band also performed during the service, including a rousing rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers.