Leader pays tribute to Jim Maddan OBE
Jim Maddan OBE
St Mary’s Church, Putney was packed with mourners including Cllr Maddan’s colleagues from the council and the Neighbourhood Watch movement, friends and constituents from Putney and many more.
Cllr Maddan, who passed away on September 13, had served on the council for 15 years, including nine years as the cabinet member for adult care and health. He served two terms as Mayor and was an active Rotarian. Prior to joining the council he served as a police officer for 30 years, rising to the rank of inspector, and was national chairman of the Neighbourhood Watch network.
At Cllr Maddan’s funeral, Cllr Govindia described him as “quintessentially a Putney man” who had probably walked every inch of the town and was dedicated to protecting and improving it.
“He helped shape its landscape, he spoke up for it, he pushed its infinite potential. He campaigned for Putney’s betterment - whether that was about better shopping, better air quality or better infrastructure. He enjoyed its parks and open spaces and loved the river and everything it represented.
“I personally first met Jim when he was the local Community Inspector in charge of Putney and Roehampton. He cut an impressive figure – broad, bearded and tall – made taller by the full uniform.
“In the last couple of weeks I have read many tributes and remembrances of Jim – these say so much about Jim the person. He was someone who was able to put people at ease whatever their background or status. He could chat about anything and everything. He always had ideas - some obvious, some just simple and obvious common sense and some whacky.
“A true and genuine servant of the people, who made a positive difference to the many lives that he touched. We will all miss him greatly.
“Thank you Jim for your unstinting and dedicated service to our community.”
October 2, 2017