Rhondda Geekie's tribute to Alex

Alex and I first met through the Labour party in the mid nineties when we were campaigning to be councillors in the new unitary authority of East Dunbartonshire.  So many years ago but it only seems like yesterday.
Alex did not have much time for strategies dismissing them with the words “ what’s that all about”  but what he did do was campaign long and hard for his ward in Bishopbriggs.  The peoples problems were his problems and he represented them well.  Who can forget the terrible flooding in Angus Avenue,  the failed landscaping around new housing and opposition to the Bishopbriggs relief road. Just some of the big issues Alex tackled.  He sometimes invited me to his meetings with developers or Scottish Water  to make sure he did not forget anything although he never did.  His successes meant he was re-elected over and over  to represent his ward.  Alex was very proud of being a councillor.  Although during the last election campaign he was very unhappy about one of the leaflets which was not a very good picture of him.  Everyone that day knew how he felt about it and that leaflet disappeared.  He did not do the long political debates in the council chamber preferring a quiet word after the meeting in his room.  He loved sitting in Tom Johnston House late in the afternoon chatting with staff or other councillors. His tales from his past life were amazing. We did not always agree on every issue over the years, he always listened very politely  to my point of view but rarely changed his mind.
The proudest moment of Alex’s political career was when he became Provost of East Dunbartonshire.  He loved meeting and talking to people and that was what he did best.  The first thing he said when he got any invites was “can May come?”  Pride of place in his room is a picture taken when he met the Queen but he also loved one taken wearing the chain and carrying one of his grandchildren at the Milngavie Highland Games.  We were all concerned for Alex as his illness became worse especially at a budget meeting just before Christmas.  A few days later there he was singing carols with us all and enjoying every minute of it.  At a recent  long Council meeting during a recess I was asked by concerned opposition councillors if the deputy should not take over.  They did not know Alex Hannah.  He was determined to carry out his civic duties  as long as he possibly could and once Alex made up his mind I knew nothing I could say would change his decision. 
Tuesday morning in Tom Johnston House was a very subdued place as people heard the sad news.  We will all miss him in different ways but we will never forget his courage and dedication. I will miss his friendship and support which never wavered even through his own illness.  The last thing he said to me a few days before he died was “how are you”?  That was Alex Hannah always thinking of others.  A lesson to us all.