Former British Prime Minister Edward Heath died peacefully at the age of 89 on July 17, 2005. Heath was born on 9 July 1916 in Broadstairs, Kent. He was the only son of Edward Heath, a carpenter and builder, and his wife, Anne (Sibly), a dressmaker. He fought bravely during the Second World War, where he was a Royal Artillery officer, before beginning his political career as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bexley in 1950. Heath became leader of the Conservative Party in 1965 leading to his election as Prime Minister on June 18, 1970. As Prime Minister for four years, he was an advocate for the European Union and a supporter of Britain’s entry into it. He also introduced the Industrial Relations Act to try and improve industrial relations, along with a number of social reforms. In 1974 he was voted from office, with Harold Wilson returning as Prime Minister. Despite his defeat, Heath continued to serve his constituency in Bexley until 1992. In 1996 he was created a Knight of the Garter and he eventually retired from parliamentary politics that same year. Heath lived a full life brought to a close on July 17, 2005, at the age of 89. He will be remembered for his contribution to British democracy.