'He inspired so many' Tributes to Preston politician, alderman, and beloved dad
‘Rest in peace, Bill. Thank you for everything’. William ‘Bill’ Shannon, who represented the Ingol and Tanterton ward for 11 years and became an alderman, has died aged 82.
Tributes have been paid to a local politician who ‘inspired many’ and became an alderman of the city of Preston.
William ‘Bill’ Shannon represented the Ingol and Tanterton ward for 11 years before retiring in 2014 and was a major influence in the rise of Liberal Democrat party in Preston, a part which is now the official opposition party at the city council.
Bill also became an alderman of the city, an honour reserved for those who have made a significant contribution to its civic life and political life, in 2014. Bill was also heavily involved in establishing the Ingol and Tanterton Neighbourhood Council, the Intact Centre and also researching the area’s history.
it is difficult for any reflection to do him justice: historian, charity chairman, volunteer, councillor, election agent and marketeer—but, most importantly, a wonderful family man and a great friend
Bill’s daughter Debbie, said in a statement to Blog Preston released after her father’s death from a short illness: “Dad will be missed by all who knew him – he inspired so many, in the world’s of history and politics. As a family we will miss his warmth, intellect and sense of fun. He leaves Mavis, his wife of 60 years, his daughter, Debbie and granddaughter, Cara, extended family and many friends.”
Leader of the Preston Lib Dems, who took on the role from Bill, councillor John Potter, said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that Preston Honorary Alderman and former Preston Liberal Democrat Leader Bill Shannon passed away yesterday evening.
Bill excelled in so many areas that it is difficult for any reflection to do him justice: historian, charity chairman, volunteer, councillor, election agent and marketeer—but, most importantly, a wonderful family man and a great friend.
“The Preston Liberal Democrats would not be where we are today without Bill’s support, dedication and many years of service. Rest in peace, Bill. Thank you for everything.”
Outside of politics, Bill had a career at the Co-operative Group where he rose to become general manager before retiring in 2002. He was also a lover of geography and history, having attended Liverpool University to study geography in the early 1960s before returning to study at Lancashire University after his retirement to gain a doctorate. His passion saw him come a historian with a focus on cartography.
Bill, who gained his undergraduate degree in geography at Liverpool University in the 1960s and later completed his MA and PHD at Lancaster University, also became a published author with ‘Cumbria – 1000 years of maps’.
- This story was produced as part of a collaboration with Blog Preston