Tributes to former councillor

A minute’s silence was observed by the full Perth and Kinross Council following news of the death of Alistair‘Jock’Munro.

The former Labour councillor for Perth City South died aged 65 at Perth Royal Infirmary, after a battle with cancer.

Friend and Oakbank neighbour, Councillor Willie Wilson gave a warm tribute to Jock, who served at 2 High Street for two terms until 2017.

Cllr Wilson spoke of retired Perth firefighter Jock as“a man of sincerity, humour and great humanity.”

“He never let political values and opinions cloud his personal relationships,”the fellow Perth South representative told assembled members of PKC at the full sitting on Wednesday.

Cllr Wilson had recently put a request in on Perth Hospital Radio for Jock:‘Ring of Fire’by Johnny Cash.

Jock was being treated for aggressive prostate cancer which had spread to his bones and was being supported by his wife Susan. She was a cook at the fire station where they first met.

“Jock was a thoroughly decent man, respected by all,” continued Lib Dem member Cllr Wilson.“It was an absolute pleasure to serve with him.”

He explained that Jock Munro had done much to champion help for dyslexia in schools and had been a strong promoter of the Tayside Fire Brigade.

Jock sat on the community safety committee, scrutiny committee, lifelong learning committee as well as being on the Perth Civic Trust executive committee and Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board.

Scottish Labour’s Councillor Alistair Bailey also paid tribute to Jock, despite coming to office after Mr Munro had left. “My thoughts are with his family at this sad time,”he said.

SNP councillor Dave Doogan also spoke up at the council meeting:“Jock was real, proper Labour, a genuine socialist. He was popular, with underlying humility.”