Obituary: Ex-Conservative political agent for district (From Witney Gazette)

Obituary: Ex-Conservative political agent for district

8:10am Friday 25th January 2008 in Witney

FRIENDS and family have paid tribute to former Conservative agent for West Oxfordshire, Victor Burge, who died, aged 62.

Mr Burge was a also political agent for former Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd between 1986 and 1991.

Born in Glasgow in 1945, his career in politics took him around the country, working as a political agent in Exeter, Newcastle, and eventually Witney.

The Tory stalwart also had stints at Conservative central office.

Lady Sally Brown, who was a colleague and close personal friend of Mr Burge, said she had fond memories of the former agent.

She said: "Victor was tremendous fun to work with, we laughed all the time."

Mr Burge married his wife, Barbara, in 1968, and the couple went on to have four children together, Debbie, Donny, Andrew, and Hayley.

His daughter Debbie described her father as being a sociable and generous man, who had always enjoyed meeting new people.

She said: "My father was the warmest of individuals, who had the capacity to make others feel good about themselves." Outside of politics, Mr Burge was actively involved in education, sitting on the chair of governors for two local schools - Hailey CE School, where he was instrumental in having the new school hall built, and Madley Brook Primary School.

He was also active in the county's hospital schools, and was chair of the school's forum.

His hard work and dedication was rewarded in 2005, when he was given an outstanding mark by Ofsted in his role as governor.

And again in 2006, when he was given a commendation as South of England Governor of the Year in the Teaching Awards.

Christina Nina and Adrienne Martin, headteachers of Springfield School and Madley Brook Primary School respectively, have both paid tribute to Mr Burge.

Ms Nina said: "Victor worked tirelessly to ensure that pupils received the best possible education, the staff work in the most optimum conditions, and the community are able to access the wonderful facilities available to the school."

Mr Burge's funeral took place this week at St Mary's Church, Witney, where friends and family turned out to pay their respects.

His daughter, Mrs Brown, said he would be missed by everyone who knew him.