The staff and elected officials of Plymouth City Council have been saddened to learn of the passing of Alderman and former Councillor Ken Foster at the age of 92.
Alderman Foster was a much-respected councillor who served Plymstock Radford for 22 years before his retirement in 2019.
He had the honour as serving as Deputy Lord Mayor in 2007-2008 and Lord Mayor in 2009-2010, in addition to supporting his wife, former Councillor Wendy Foster, as Consort during her term as Lord Mayor in 2017/2018.
Alderman Foster was first elected to the then Devon County Council ward of Plymstock Radford in 1997, the year before Plymouth became unitary in 1998.
Throughout his political career, he served on many committees, including as Chair of Housing, Finance and Performance and Taxi Licensing, and as Vice Chair of Licensing.
In recognition of his years of service, Ken was appointed as an Alderman in 2021.
In his professional life, Alderman Foster worked as a professional technical officer at the Dockyard for 40 years was chairman of the Institute of Professional Civil Servants.
In his spare time, he supported local schools as a governor of Plymstock Comprehensive, Pomphlett Primary and Downham Schools.
A keen musician, he was the bandleader and trumpet player of the Ken Foster Orchestra between 1948 and 1965.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Sue Dann, said: "Ken Foster was a committed and hardworking councillor. He always spoke up for his residents in Radford and was an active member in the community.
“In the council chamber, I know that you could always rely on Ken to contribute to debates, adding his personal touch of passion and humour “
The funeral of Alderman Foster will take place at Efford Crematorium on Friday 17 February at 2pm.