Tributes have been made to Patrick Solomon, a Bedford Borough councillor and campaigner who died suddenly on Thursday night (23 Feb).
Cllr Solomon had been a Liberal Democrat councillor in Bedford Borough since 2019, representing the local community of Kingsbrook. He was also instrumental in helping Bedford’s Windrush generation descendants get justice and recognition.
In June 2020, Cllr Solomon, whose own parents were part of the Windrush generation, won unanimous cross-party support for his motion pledging solidarity and support for locals descended from the Windrush generation.
His death comes just one week after the death of his beloved wife Joan, following Joan’s long illness.
Leading the tributes was Bedford Borough’s elected mayor, Dave Hodgson (Lib Dem) who described his “profound sadness” upon hearing the news.
“Patrick was one of the nicest people you could wish to meet and lived out his values of service to the community, making a difference in so many lives,” he said.
“He considered it an honour to be a counsellor, and we considered it an honour to have known him. We will miss him terribly. May he rest in peace.”
Local people have also been paying tribute on social media.
One wrote, “He was such a lovely man who would make light of the darkest moments.”
Another said: “such a lovely man you could ever meet. I have known him and his family for years. Condolences to the family. Praying for you all. We have truly lost a gem.”
Pauline Stepney of Bedford’s Legacy of Windrush Descendants and Cllr Solomon’s cousin summed up the loss felt with his passing, simply saying he “will be missed by many”.
Committed to his community
Cllr Solomon was a Street Pastor in Luton for six years and was most recently involved with a charity that feeds the homeless.
His work in the wake of the Windrush scandal has also helped recognise and cement the part people from the Caribbean played in Bedford’s own history and diversity.
Speaking about the Windrush generation in 2020, Cllr Solomon said: “The story of the many people of the Caribbean who answered the call for people to come to this country to help rebuild it after the Second World War is very much part of Bedford’s story…
“I would encourage people to read and to listen to the fascinating stories of those who came over and to learn more about the enormous contribution and the legacy of the Windrush generation.
“We all owe them a debt of thanks…”
Read: Bedford’s Windrush descendants describe ‘pain and fear’ brought home by BBC drama
A statement from Bedford Borough Council said: “His [Cllr Solomon’s] passion was to work in the community and be of assistance to others. Our deepest sympathies are with Cllr Solomon’s family at this very sad time.”
As a mark of respect, the Bedford Borough Flag at Borough Hall will be lowered
