Tributes paid to Provost Alex Hannah
BOOKS of condolence have been opened at Tom Johnston House (Kirkintilloch) and the Triangle Centre (Bishopbriggs)following the death of East Dunbartonshire Provost, Councillor Alex Hannah.
Councillor Hannah died on Sunday afternoon (April 12) following a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Councillor Hannah lived in Bishopbriggs with his wife May and family. He was born in Springburn and was a Labour councillor for 14 years.
A former engineer in the Merchant Navy, and a fitter with John Brown Shipbuilders, Alex also spent 30 years as a taxi driver in Glasgow.
A devoted family man, Alex was 72 when he died. He and his wife May had four children, Jacqueline, Helen and Matthew. Their son Alex died four years ago.
The couple also have nine grandchildren, one great-grandaughter and another on the way.
Alex's daughter, Jacqueline, said: "My dad died peacefully at home, which was what he wanted.
"He was a fighter and battled with cancer for a long time.He was a very private man and didn't tell many people about his illness.
"He still continued with his duties no matter what.He would be getting a blood transfusion and telling the doctor that he was to be at a meeting in Tom Johnston House by 5pm. He didn't want to let anyone down.
"He was such a character and had so many friends in the community. He was very much loved and will be sadly missed."
She added: "We would like to thank Dr Macmillan at Springfield surgery and everyone at Marie Curie for their support."
Tributes have flooded in following the news of Provost Hannah's death.
Council leader Rhondda Geekie said: "I am deeply saddened by Alex's death and my thoughts and prayers are with May and his children Helen, Jacqueline and Matthew.
"Over the years, Alex and I worked very closely together and it has been my honour to count him as a friend.
"Alex was very proud to be a councillor and then the Provost of East Dunbartonshire. The people have lost a man who worked tirelessly for them throughout his political career.
"The Labour group had a great respect and affection for Alex and words cannot convey their loss.
"Above all, though, Alex was a family man who was devoted to his wife and children and who burst with pride when he spoke of his grandchildren. We felt his grief when he lost his son Alex.
"He was a huge presence in the life of East Dunbartonshire Council and many will mourn his passing.
"I have watched him bravely fight his illness over the last year and I know he was determined to carry out his official duties as long as he could. I will miss him very much."
Deputy council leader Billy Hendry said: "This is very sad news and Alex's family is very much in my thoughts.
"Alex was a man of strong character and I had great respect for him. Just last week he chaired a meeting I attended and to me it was typical of the man that he wanted to get on with the job he loved. He will be missed."
Councillor John Dempsey was a close friend of Provost Hannah's. He said: "I'm very saddened to hear of Alex's death. He was a very good and loyal friend and was very well respected by members of all political parties on the council.
"Alex saw good in everyone, as he himself was a very good person. He was devoted to his wife, May, and family. He will be dearly missed."
Councillor Charles Kennedy said: "I was saddened to learn of Alex's death. We have all lost a really good friend who worked tirelessly for the people of East Dunbartonshire and Bishopbriggs.
"Alex believed in equality and fairness and had strong working class, Christian values that came through in the way he went about his work. He will be greatly missed."
Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP David Whitton said: "Alex Hannah was a man committed to his family, his constituents in Bishopbriggs and to the people of East Dunbartonshire.
"It was fitting that he should be made Provost at the last election, a post he served with the distinction and humility that were his trademark.
"Despite his illness Provost Hannah continued to carry out his civic duties. He was a true man of the people and will be sadly missed by all who knew him."
East Dunbartonshire Council chief executive Gerry Cornes said: "Over the last few weeks and months, Provost Hannah has been an inspiration in the way that he has borne his illness.
"Such was his dedication and commitment to public service that he insisted on carrying out his duties until the end.
"He did so with pride and dignity and that is how I, and the employees of East Dunbartonshire Council, will remember him.
"Books of condolence will be available at Tom Johnston House and The Triangle for anyone who would like to pay tribute to the Provost."
Former East Dunbartonshire Council chief executive Sue Bruce said she was proud to call Alex a friend.
She added: "He was a man who took his position as an elected member very seriously and he worked hard for those he represented.
"I learned a great deal from him and will always remember him fondly. My sympathies are with May and all of his extended family."
Council officer Willie Paterson worked closely with Provost Hannah over a number of years.
He said: "Although he was very ill, Provost Hannah was determined to carry out his duties.
"He really cared about people and didn't want to let anyone down.
"He was an excellent Provost and it was a pleasure to work with him.
"He will be greatly missed and my thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
The Provost's funeral service took place in St Dominic's Church, Bishopbriggs, on Friday.
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Weather for Kirkintilloch
Thursday 24 May 2012
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