John White, former chief executive of Tayside Racial Equality Council, has died at the age of 61.
A Liverpudlian, he did much to promote racial awareness, tolerance and understanding in Tayside during his decade in the post.
He came to Dundee with his wife Alison Preuss, whom he met in London in 1991.
He had previously been a youth and communities worker with the Service Children’s Education Authority in Rheindalen, Germany.
In Dundee, he was in charge of the daily activities of the TREC and worked tirelessly to raise the profile and cause of racial equality and awareness.
TREC ended after funding ran out, and he latterly operated a management consultancy in employment law and equalities as well as serving on employment tribunal panels in Dundee.
He also found time to set up a plumbing business in Forfar, to where the family moved from their home in the west end of Dundee.
John helped wife Alison in the running of Schoolhouse, the organisation that promotes the education of children at home. He is also survived by two daughters and a son.
He fell ill in the summer after contracting cancer and died in Roxburghe House. His funeral is at Parkgrove Crematorium today.
Tribute was paid to him by Mohammed Issa MBE, prominent Dundee businessman, who said: “I am one of many who will be forever indebted to John. He was a true and valued friend and guide having a very patient, caring and thoughtful approach which endeared him to many.
“John was extremely knowledgeable in race equality and relations, bridging many divides, but was also willing to work over and above what was required of him to help all in the community.
“He had a calm and patient way of dealing with issues and problems, and offered comfort and support wherever and whenever required”