THE death of former city councillor Dennis Isaac has cast a dark shadow over large parts of the Faithful City.

In a world where it's hard not to be suspicious of people's motives, he was a refreshing reminder of what's good about human nature.

We may take a snipe at our elected representatives, from time to time - with what we regard as the best interests of our communities at heart, of course - but that shouldn't detract from the unseen work done by their kind.

In that respect, Mr Isaac was from the old school.

As colleague Coun David Barlow reflects, if someone's gutter was leaking, he'd bother about it being fixed. He was a "legendary" type of man.

Local politics has always been about the movers and shakers - those who enjoy the cut and thrust of party battle - and the men of the people.

That's an easy label to attach, but one that's hard to live up to. But Dennis Isaac, down-to-earth, did just that.

The key to his success, according to former Labour group leader Roger Berry, was keeping his ear to the ground.

And perhaps his greatest legacy is to have demonstrated that there's much to be given, and much to be gained, from serving the community.

It's typical that, instead of flowers being sent to his funeral tomorrow, donations are to be given to Acorns Children's Hospice.

We're not sure whether that final gesture was his or his widow's. But the people who have reason to be thankful for his company and his attention would not have expected anything else. He will be missed.