County's education chief dies (From Daily Echo)

Hampshire education boss Cllr David Kirk has died

4:13pm Monday 16th August 2010 in Politics By Jon Reeve, Education Reporter

HAMPSHIRE'S education chief has died, aged 63, it has been announced today.

Prominent councillor David Kirk was in charge of the county's schools for five years, later taking on additional responsibility for social care.

The father-of-four, who had represented Andover South since 1997, died suddenly yesterday.

He leaves behind wife Tracey and their two sons, as well as two daughters from a previous marriage.

Council leader Ken Thornber said David would be "greatly missed".

He said: "His death has been a terrible shock and leaves a large hole in the cabinet of Hampshire County Council.

"Speaking for myself I have lost not only a superb Executive Member for Children's Services but a very loyal and kind friend."

Romsey and Southampton North MP Caroline Nokes added: “David was a good friend as well as a political colleague and I am saddened and shocked by his untimely death.

"David was a tower of strength in Hampshire and Test Valley. He was tireless in the work he did for the local community in Andover and especially as Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Children Services.

"The place of Hampshire’s schools, well up in the national league tables is in many respects due to David’s untiring efforts and commitment to that role.

"We shall all miss him and my thoughts especially go out at this sad time to his widow Tracey and to his sons.”