Keith Hasler, a former Councillor who was present at the inaugural meeting of Newham Council in 1964 has passed away.
Keith, a teacher, was elected as a Labour Councillor at age 26 to represent Park Ward, now called Forest Gate South Ward and was subsequently re-elected in 1968, 1971 and 1974, on the past two occasions for Upton Park Ward.
He served for 14 years on the Council, the last four as Chair of the then very powerful Education committee. One of his major achievements was to persuade the Department of Education to classify Newham as an inner London borough, which made a significant difference to school funding and teacher salaries as both were then higher for inner city schools.
Keith was also heavily involved in the creation of the current University of East London (UEL) and led on the negotiations of for the West Ham College of Technology, which was run and funded by Newham Council, to become part of the UEL.
Keith decided to not seek re-election in 1978, citing the need to devote more time being a teacher.
He given the highest honour of the borough of Newham can bestow when he was made a Freeman of the Borough of Newham in 2016.
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said “Keith was a great example of what being a Councillor was all about, he came from a long line of east end trade unionists and after he went to University he decided to give back to his Newham community by being a Councillor where he made such a difference to our community especially in Education. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends”
Details of funeral
Tuesday 15 February 1.15pm City of London Cemetery and Crematorium, Manor Park, E12 5DQ
Donations in lieu of flowers are welcome and can be made to the London Air Ambulance Service using the attached link.