Former Dundee councillor Bruce Mackie has died at the age of 82.
Tributes were paid yesterday to the one-time leader of the Conservative group in the city council.
He was described as having “served the city with distinction”.
He received an OBE in 1995 for services to his community.
In 2006 a dinner was held to recognise Mr Mackie’s 40 years of service to the local electorate.
John Letford, a former lord provost and close friend of Mr Mackie, said he was saddened by the news and added the city had lost one of its “most influential” politicians.
He said: “It is a very big loss to his family, those who knew him and the city of Dundee.
“He made such a significant contribution and was a giant of politics in the city.
“He was such a caring and friendly man but he would never back down if he felt he had to speak his mind and it was always a thoughtful and respected view.
“Bruce brought with him a real sense of civility and will be sorely missed by all councillors.”
Mr Mackie was first elected to Dundee Corporation in 1966 for the Broughty Ferry ward.
Following local government reorganisation, he was elected to Tayside Regional Council.
When Dundee City Council was formed, he was elected to represent Barnhill and held the position until further reorganisation in 2007.
He held various positions within the council, including recreation and tourism convener and head of the licensing committee.
In 2006 he said: “I have had some superb highlights and some lows as well but politics is like that. I have never been ashamed of being a Conservative.
“Your ward and your city always come first.
“I feel privileged to have served for all this time.”
His wife Roberta, 70, said he was the love of her life and a great man who loved his city.
She said: “He was such a loving husband and an amazing father to our four boys he will be a great loss to us.
“He always gave them good, sound advice and was so proud of them and their achievements.”