Former Mayor Dan Filson Dies at Age of 67

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Tributes paid by friends and colleagues to "lifelong fighter for social justice"

Tributes have been paid by friends and colleagues to Dan Filson, a former Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham, who has died at the age of 67.

Dan, who passed away suddenly after being in ill health for some time, served as a councillor in our borough for 12 years and also served as mayor from 1992 to 93.

In 2014 he was elected to neighbouring Brent Council where he served as a councillor in Kensal Green and a year was elected as Chair of the council's scrutiny committee.

After studying at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, Dan spent his career as a civil servant.

He retired in 2010 after a career mainly in the Inland Revenue, and later Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

He spent his final few years before retirement working in research across government departments. Dan spent 20 years as a school governor at a number of schools and was a keen supporter of London Welsh Rugby Club and Surrey County Cricket Club.

Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter led the local tributes, tweeting @hammersmithandy: " Shocked to hear my friend of 30 yrs and @LondonLabour legend Dan Filson has died. Former @LBHF Mayor and lifelong fighter for social justice."

He added: " Tributes pouring in from across London Labour following sad and sudden death of Cllr Dan Filson are evidence of his hard work and decency."

Chelsea and Fulham MP Greg Hands also paid tribute @GregHands, saying: " Saddened by death of former LBH&F Cllr Dan Filson (& current Brent Cllr). Cllr 1982-94 & much charity work locally."

Dawn Butler, Labour MP for Brent Central, tweeted @DawnButlerBrent: " R.I.P Brent very special Cllr Dan Filson. A lover of fine wine. I will so miss your naughty sense of humour."

Brent Council Leader, Cllr Muhammed Butt said: "Dan was an outstanding servant to his community serving for a long time in neighbouring Hammersmith & Fulham and most recently as Chair of Brent Council's Scrutiny Committee.

"He had an inquisitive mind and had a renowned attention to detail which made him a formidable councillor and one of the stalwarts here at Brent. He will be truly missed by all of his friends, fellow councillors and council colleagues.

"He was respected across the political spectrum and I offer my deepest sympathy to his family at this difficult time."

Mr Filson's funeral will be held at West London Crematorium in Kensal Green on Tuesday November 17 at 2.15pm.

November 12, 2015