Tributes paid to 'lovely' late former Bucks Council chief executive
Tributes have been paid to a former Buckinghamshire County Council chief executive who died last month.
Chris Williams was one of the longest-serving county chief executives in the country when he stepped down in March 2016. Before becoming the county council’s chief executive, Chris served as the council’s director of environmental services from 1996.
Members of Buckinghamshire Council paid tribute to him after his death at their latest full council meeting. Lady Howe, Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, said: “He was a man whose life reflected dedication, kindness, and a deep commitment to public service. Chris was devoted to his family. He himself faced significant challenges, but never let them colour his determination and his charm.
“He was a man who was friendly, outgoing and full of fun. He had a natural warmth which made him easy to approach and a fairness that earned him respect of colleagues across the spectrum of his work. He cared passionately about public service and was always supportive of his staff. He very much believed in doing the right thing and in doing it well.
“After retiring, Chris continued to give back. He dedicated time to charitable work, including serving on the board of the Clare Foundation, and he remained a strong supporter of environmental causes.”
Former council leader, Cllr Martin Tett, thanked him for his service to the county. He said: “Chris was a long -term local government professional. He joined Buckinghamshire County Council as director of environmental services in 1996. In 2000, he was promoted to chief executive of the county council.
“It didn’t matter whether you were a lowly backbencher or a member of the cabinet, Chris wanted to meet you, get to know you, wanted to talk with you, and understand what your local issues were in your ward that he could help make a difference to.
“Chris was guided by his Quaker beliefs. He was a very firm religious man, and in an acute sense of right and wrong. He was always supporting the underdog. He shunned elitism. He often chose to sit in the main office with most of his staff, rather than a separate office of his own.”
Cllr Andy Huxley also paid tribute, he said: “Chris was a lovely man, understanding, considerate, good company, and very approachable. I feel that I have lost a friend, but gained a lovely memory.”
Cllr Raj Khan also paid tribute, members held a minute’s silence in his memory at the meeting. He also served as a deputy lieutenant.