Farewell to `a remarkable man'

From the archive, first published Wednesday 7th Sep 2005.

HUNDREDS of people gathered at the Ecumenical Centre in Redditch to say their final farewells to a town stalwart who died recently.

Walter Stranz, 81, a former mayor, Labour town and county councillor and the only man to be made Freeman of the Borough of Redditch, died on August 24 after a lengthy battle against Parkinson's disease.

The funeral service on Thursday, attended by more than 300 people, was carried out by Mr Stranz' daughter Jane, who is ordained into the United Reform Church.

Mr Stranz' wife Betty said: "I asked Jane whether she wanted to go through with the service as I thought it would be so hard for her. But she said it was the least she could do for her dad. It was an extremely powerful service.

"Readings were given by Jacqui Smith MP and Albert Wharrad, who read a few lines of William Morris' Why I am a Socialist, this summed up Walter completely.

"I joked we could play The Red Flag - a traditional German song - at the funeral and my daughter told me you could sing the words of the modern version of Magnificat to it.

"The last lines are: `To sing and live Magnificat. In crowded street and council flat.' Those words seemed so appropriate to Walter. The whole day was a perfect tribute and celebration of his life."

Former mayor Madge Tillesley MBE has paid tribute to Mr Stranz' efforts to welcome people of all nationalities to Redditch.

She said: "When West Indians arrived in the 50s, he was one of the first to offer us the hand of friendship, forming the Commonwealth Citizens Association with Betty Passingham and the late Eric Treadgold.

"Now three, and in some cases, four generations on, we look back to our arrival and thank God there were people like Walter Stranz around."

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