Alex was devoted to his family and community
Tributes paid to former councillor
13.07.2018 Tributes have poured in for a much-loved Renfrew family man and former Labour councillor who passed away this week.
Alex Murrin, who “always had a smile on his face”, represented his constituents for the best part of 18 years and died following a battle with illness on Wednesday.
His son Johnny said the 74-year-old was not only his dad but a pal and spoke of how he’ll miss righting the world’s wrongs over a beer in their local pub.
He said: “We would catch up every Sunday down the pub and talk about the world’s problems over a pint.
“He had the same group of friends for 30 years.
“It was like a Still Game thing. He was very popular with his constituents.”
Alex, who was married to Elizabeth, had two children – Johnny and Angela – and two grandchildren.
His grandsons Alfie and Finn, who passed away at the age of six, meant the world to him.
Johnny added: “My dad was an old school quiet boy but as soon as Finn came into the world, there was a ray of sunshine.
“When young Finn passed, my dad never got over that. He was the first grandchild and he was the light of his life.”
When he first left school, Alex worked in a shipyard as a welder and joined the trade union
In the first few months of his working life he was out on the picket line, providing the background that would eventually see him enter local politics.
“He was the apprentice,” Johnny said. “He was the skivvy, so he was sent down to get the rolls.”
In his spare time, Alex - who represented Renfrew North - would watch the football with close friend and former MP Jim Sheridan.
Councillor Eddie Devine, leader of the Labour group, worked with Alex for 10 years and described him as “a very happy man”.
He said: “He was one of those guys who went straight to the point. He was very direct with his answers. He was a real Labour councillor.
“He was a lovely man with a lovely family. He always had a smile on his face.
“He was well liked in the community and was a very friendly man. He mixed with everybody and had banter with everybody. “A really nice guy.” Provost Lorraine Cameron remarked on how Alex will be remembered for the “passion” he showed in carrying out his job.
She said: “On behalf of all at Renfrewshire Council, we are saddened to hear of Alex’s passing and we offer our condolences to his family and friends.
“Alex served his constituents in Renfrew for 18 years, most recently as convener of the licensing board, and he will be fondly remembered for the passion he showed in standing up for his residents.
“Our thoughts are with all who knew him at this sad time.”
Neil Bibby MSP added: “I was deeply saddened to hear of Alex Murrin’s passing.
“Over decades he helped countless people and served the people of Renfrew and the Labour Party with great distinction.
“Alex was much admired and well respected in his community of Renfrew.
“He will be sadly missed and remembered with great affection.”