20
March
2014
|
10:19
Europe/London

Former Councillor Charles Shouler

Mr Shouler, was a retired farmer who was born and brought up in Chesterton and farmed there for many years. In latter year he lived in Bicester. He represented the Bicester South division at County Hall.

In 2013, Councillor Shouler was made an Honorary Alderman.

Highly regarded elder statesman

Councillor Ian Hudspeth, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “There will be very many employees, ex-employees, councillors and former councillors who will be very upset to hear this news. However that sadness will be accompanied by a fund of positive memories of Charles and his work both at County Hall and in Bicester.

“Charles was a highly regarded elder statesman at Oxfordshire County Council. He was a real gentleman, a practical man, a clear thinker and real character. He was respected by political allies and opponents alike and was meticulously fair. It speaks volumes that so many people spoke with such great fondness about Charles when he retired as a councillor at the last election. Never can anybody have more deserved the position of Honorary Alderman.

“Charles had a rich, distinctive, authoritative Oxfordshire voice. He commanded a room when required. However he also had a real sense of fun and a mischievous laugh.

“He was a master of the workings of local government finance and a critic of its complexities. Oxfordshire County Council would not have been the same place without Charles Shouler and he will always be remembered with immense fondness."

A true gentleman

Former Councillor Keith Mitchell, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council from 2001-2012 said: “It was a privilege to serve with Charles Shouler in local government for a quarter century and to count him as a very good friend as well as a political colleague.

“Charles was a wonderful character, strong, fearless, a great debater.  He did not brook sloppy thinking and always spoke his mind but his views were based on intellectual analysis and a good evidence base.

“A true family man, he missed his wife who succumbed to cancer many years ago.  He loved his children deeply and formed a strong bond with Pauline with whom he spent his recent years, provided him with much happiness and who saw him through his final illness.  I shall miss Charles Shouler greatly for his company and his friendship.  He was a true gentleman.  Requiescat in pace.”