Onkaparinga Council’s inaugural mayor Ray Gilbert has died, aged 92

The inaugural mayor of Adelaide’s biggest council is being remembered as a “lovely bloke” who worked tirelessly for the southern community.

Ray and Edith Gilbert on their 60th wedding anniversary on September 17, 2009.

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Ray Gilbert, who was Onkaparinga Council’s inaugural mayor in 1997, has died, aged 92.

Mr Gilbert, who served in local government for 34 years, first as a Noarlunga councillor in 1970 and later as the council’s mayor, died last week.

When the former Noarlunga, Happy Valley and Willunga councils amalgamated in 1997, Mr Gilbert became the inaugural mayor of the new Onkaparinga Council, a position he held until he retired from local government in 2006.

Current Onkaparinga councillor Bill Jamieson, who served with Mr Gilbert for 10 years, fondly remembers his “no-nonsense attitude”.

“He was a lovely bloke, a fantastic man and he never let people get away with nonsense,” Cr Jamieson said.

“If you did something he didn’t consider OK, you got called out.

“He was the right bloke at the time when the three councils amalgamated and I have nothing but praise for the man.”

Former Onkaparinga mayor Ray Gilbert. Picture: Onkaparinga Council

Mr Gilbert was awarded the Order of Australia medal in 2002 for his service to local government and health services.

Shortly before his retirement in 2006, Mr Gilbert and his wife Edith received the Key and Freedom of Entry to the City of Onkaparinga in honour of their service to the community.

Today, Onkaparinga Council is flying its flags at half-mast in honour of its former mayor.

“Ray Gilbert had an indomitable passion for his community and worked tirelessly for our city for 34 years,” Mayor Erin Thompson said.

“He also generously gave his time and experience to volunteer with many community organisations.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank Ray for his passion and energy and the difference he made to our city and to so many people’s lives.

“Our sincere condolences to his family and all who knew him.”

Mr Gilbert is survived by his wife, Edith, and their two children.