Tributes to a 'People's Deputy' with a boundless passion for Guernsey

Saturday 20 March 2021

Political colleagues have paid tribute to former Deputy Graham Guille, who died suddenly on Wednesday at the age of 80.

Mr Guille first entered the States in 2003 after winning a by-election and stood as a Deputy until 2012.

During that time he was well-known for his considerable caseload of constituency work and served as late Deputy Dave Jones' number two on Housing. Mr Guille also held positions on the Treasury & Resources Department, The Home Department and the Horticulture Committee.

Beyond his political resume, he is remembered as a larger-than-life character whose passion for his island was evident. 

"It was a privilege to know Graham as a Deputy and as a person. He was as honest as the day is long - always sincere and always genuine," said Deputy Lester Queripel. 

I was sorry to hear the sad news Graham Guille had died. I had the privilege of working with Graham, his knowledge and experience was second to none.Graham was also immensely proud of his Bailiwick heritage going back hundreds of years. The Island has lost a kind & lovely man.

— Mary Lowe (@MaryLowe501) March 19, 2021

Pictured: Long-serving former deputy Mary Lowe said Mr Guille's knowledge and experience "was second to none". 

His work with constituents was an inspiration to Deputy Queripel when the first-time Deputy was still learning how to adjust to the workload.

"Graham gave me crucial guidance about one-to-one cases. I remember going round to his house on one occasion to speak to him. I was working on 17 cases at the time and was feeling a bit snowed under."

The advice the Vale Deputy gave him was practical, helped him to juggle those newfound responsibilities and use his time more effectively. 

"I asked him how many cases he was working on at his peak - he said that he had around 37 at any one time on average! It made me realise how much work there was to do. 

Lovely man. One of the kindest people I have come across. His stories were legendary, I used to end up crying with laughter. He also was a great source of information about local history.

— Liz Walton (@guernseyliz14) March 19, 2021

"I learnt from him that there was more to being a deputy than sitting in the States Chamber and doing your committee work."

His residing memory was of a man who truly lived up to the mantle of a 'People's Deputy'.

"For me, he was a gentleman. He is a great loss to our community."