Tributes paid to celebrated civic champion
06 March 2024
West Northamptonshire Council has paid tribute to former Lord-Lieutenant David Laing who has sadly passed away.
Mr Laing had recently been celebrated in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List, being awarded a CBE by HRH Princess Anne for his services to charity and philanthropy.
Having served as Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire from 2014 until 2020, he had a significant impact on the County – being vice chair on the Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership, as well as working to support a wide array of charities and voluntary organisations.
His support was pivotal in the establishment of the Northamptonshire Community Foundation, which has given out over £20m in grants to causes across the county. He also served as the County’s High Sheriff and was Pro Chancellor at the University of Northampton.
The Council has paid tribute to Mr Laing and will be lowering the WNC flag at all of its offices from tomorrow (Thursday 7 March) for a week as a mark of respect and remembrance.
David was loved and admired by so many people throughout our beautiful county, his boundless kindness and positivity have been such an inspiration to so many people, including myself.Councillor Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council
David was hugely supportive of the establishment of our Council, being a vocal supporter of improving services for the people that rely on them by improving the connectivity between them. His passion for making our county a better place for everyone lives on.
From cricket, rugby and motorsports to skateboarding and BMX, Mr Laing had a passion for sports and promoting youth and community involvement through his involvement in sports clubs, youth organisations and school trusts.
He was central to establishing Adrenaline Alley, a local charity and the UK’s largest indoor BMX and skatepark, while the David Laing Foundation works with a range of charities that help support young people, music, art, sports and health.
David was a trailblazer and a wonderful human being, with a spirit of adventure and remarkable positivity in all he was involved within Northamptonshire and across the globe.André González De Savage, Councillor for East Hunsbury and friend of Mr Laing
He was always local and made time to talk, share thoughts and ideas and motivate others to do their best at all times and in all places. Nothing was too much, and his words meant so much. His artistic and literary skills were also to be admired together with his genuine warmth and welcoming personality.
No words can sum up David but the true experience of knowing him as a friend and passionate county ambassador was an honour that I will always treasure. I send my love to Mary and the family.
Mr Laing will be remembered at a private family service. A public memorial to celebrate his life and bring the organisations he supported together will be held later in the year.