TRIBUTES have been paid to a North Lanarkshire councillor after he died suddenly last week.
Councillor Robert McKendrick’s death was announced by his sons Robert, Nicholas and Gary “with the heaviest of hearts” on Friday night.
First elected to the council in 2007 as an independent member, Councillor McKendrick served on a significant number of committees including Housing, Education and Families, Environmental Services and the Wishaw and District Local Area Partnership.
Born and bred in Newmains,
he was the driving force behind many improvements and initiatives in the area.
Murdostoun councillor Nicky Shevlin said she was shocked at his death.
“I just can’t believe it,” said Councillor Shevlin. “Robert and I were both elected to the council at the same time but I had known him for years before that as he worked with my brothers at the Ravenscraig.
“As a councillor, Robert was a force for good. He was a great representative for Murdostoun but an especially wonderful champion for Newmains, where he lived all his life.
“My heart goes out to his wife Mary and his three sons. Robert was a great family man who doted on his grandchildren.”
Councillor Jean Jones, Provost of North Lanarkshire, added: “I was very saddened to hear of the death of Councillor Robert McKendrick.
“Robert was a councillor who worked so hard for the people in the community he represented. He made a huge difference to the residents who needed his help and always stood up for them, and for what he thought was right.
“He often signed off his emails and letters with the phrase ‘People Before Politics’, and that really summed up his approach to his time as a councillor. He will be very fondly remembered by his fellow councillors and all our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Residents of Newmains also paid tribute to Councillor McKendrick online.
Responding to the announcement, Paul Miller said: “I’m so, so sorry to hear this sad news. Your dad had a very special place in my heart.”
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