Former Independent councillor, dad and grandad Dean McCastree has passed away at the age of 72.
Dean, who was better known by his middle name Bert, made history on 5th May 2007 as the first person of colour to be elected to Thanet District Council when he took the Westbrook seat by just one vote from the late Conservative councillor Dennis Payne.
Bert, who at age 10 moved with his family from St Lucia to the UK, served in the Army and lived in London where he was a councillor for Lambeth Council before moving to Margate.
In 2015, the former financial trader stood as an Independent parliamentary candidate in the former South Thanet constituency, alongside candidates Nigel Farage, Craig Mackinlay, and Will Scobie.
Close friend, district councillor John Worrow, who is the leader of the council’s independent group, Thanet Independents, said: “I was both shocked and devastated to hear the terrible news, I was only talking to Bert on WhatsApp a couple of weeks ago whilst he was on holiday in the Caribbean.
“Bert was looking forward to standing as a candidate in Cliftonville for Thanet Independents in next year’s county council election, and he was excited to be visiting his daughter in the new year, who lives in Dubai.
“Bert was old school, he was a thoroughly decent person, a totally loyal friend, who adored his wife Charmaine and his children and grandchildren. He will be sadly missed.”
RIP
He was due to travel this Monday to visit daughter Natasha and grandson Jake and family in Dubai for a month. He will be truly missed by them all! 💔😢
I knew Bert well in the years we both served as LibDem Councillors in Lambeth. Your tribute to him paints a very accurate picture – he was a decent, conscientious Councillor who took his role seriously and cared deeply about his constituents. A good man. Rest in Peace.