A passionate Vale Hospital campaigner and former Provost of Argyll and Bute will be remembered as “one of a kind” and “an absolute gentleman” by those who knew him.
Billy Petrie OBE passed away last week at the age of 94, having dedicated more than four decades of his life to serving the local community as an independent councillor - once earning the tag “the most popular local politician in Great Britain.”
The Helensburgh man, a former Provost of Argyll and Bute Council and Freeman of the area, devoted 45 years of his life to public service on local authorities - ranging from the old Dunbartonshire County Council to Strathclyde Region and a host of other bodies throughout Scotland.
He was married to wife Jean for more than 59 years until she passed away in 2014, with the pair having met whilst pupils at Hermitage Primary together.
Billy was also a much-loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He was a proud and passionate supporter of the Vale of Leven Hospital, serving on the Argyll and Clyde Health Board alongside Rev Ian Miller.
Rev Miller told the Lennox: “He was someone you would’ve walked 100 miles to help. And he walked 100 miles to help many people. But you would never know, he did it all quietly.
“He was someone you could turn to. He had a listening ear and if he could do anything for you then it would be done.
“Politically we will not see his like again. He was absolutely one of a kind.
“A lot of political people have to go with the party line. He was a genuine independent. If he thought it was right, it was right. If he thought it was wrong, it was wrong. That’s to his eternal credit.
“He was an incredibly genuine man.”
And Rev Miller remembers a run-in with health chiefs that showed Petrie’s strength of character.
He added: “When we were on the hospital board he was as straight as a dye. I always remember one occasion where myself, Jim Flynn and him were accused of leaking something to the press.
“We were all called into the chairman’s office. He ranted and raved.
“Billy, very calmly, said ‘fine, I tell you what. If you want to muzzle me then you can just have my resignation right now’.
“At that point the chairman completely changed. He realised he was dealing with a man of integrity.
“If Billy had left then there would’ve been ramifications. He was straight and true. What you see is what you got. His legacy is absolutely still being felt today.”
As well as serving as an independent councillor for more than four decades, Billy served on the board of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority Board and its predecessors - playing a key role in setting up Scotland’s first National Park.
Gordon Watson, chief executive of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “It was an honour to have the benefit of his extensive knowledge and experience on our National Park Board and even after his tenure came to an end, he continued in his retirement to take an active interest in what was happening in the National Park.
“Billy was always a source of wise advice, some brilliant anecdotes and above all an absolute gentleman.”
Former Dumbarton MP John McFall, now Lord McFall and Speaker of the House of Lords remembered a “good and true friend.”
He said: “He has been a good and true friend to me throughout my political life.
“He never turned down a request for assistance or advice. He was always ready to respond when issues affecting the local area or the welfare of constituents were highlighted to him.
“He was an outstanding example of how elected representatives should conduct themselves: open, engaging, empathetic. He represented the best qualities of leadership.
“My wife Joan and I have lost good friends with the death of Billy and his late wife Jean.
“But they leave behind treasured memories of a couple whose lifelong service and devotion to their community is a shining example for us all to follow.”
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie added: “Billy was such a popular person throughout the area. He worked across the political divide and made many friends in our local community and within the council.
“His loss is a huge blow for the region and my deepest condolences are with his family and many friends who will miss him greatly.
“He leaves a wonderful legacy due to his determination to stand up for the people he served.”
