Tears as former councillor dies
Denis hailed as true gent and pillar of community
He was the most kind-hearted person, so generous and loving – the best guy ever Daughter Ellen Gruner
I was deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Denis McKenna... he was a kind and decent man. He will be sorely missed by all of us Ex-MP Ged Killen
I am very proud to say I am his brother - Brian McKenna
Tributes have flooded in following the passing of wellrespected former Rutherglen councillor Denis McKenna, who is being remembered as “a lovely man, a true gent and an embodiment of community spirit.”
The 70-year-old grandfather-of-five – who served the Rutherglen West ward for 18 years – died in the early hours of Boxing Day following a long, bravely fought illness.
Denis passed away at home surrounded by his family after being cared for by younger son Paul – a registered nurse who flew in from Australia on December 18 to comfort his dad in his final days.
The much-loved former councillor was born on July 4, 1949, and grew up at 12 Spittal Road – one of Hugh and Ellen McKenna’s seven children.
Denis attended St Mark’s, St Columbkille’s and Holy Cross High schools.
He and his beloved wife of 48 years, Jean, met when they were working as 16-year-olds in the Co-op in Spittal.
Their daughter, Ellen Gruner, told the Reformer: “The story goes that dad could not lift a big sack of potatoes, so mum helped him – and that is how the two of them got together.”
The couple married in St Bartholomew’s Church on June 19, 1971.
They went on to have four children – Ellen, Tony, Paul and Jennifer.
Denis’ 18 years in local politics began in May 1999, when he was elected as a Labour councillor.
His brother and best friend, Brian, also served as a South Lanarkshire councillor and daughter Ellen acted as his election agent in 2003.
Denis retired from politics in March 2017 – four months after he was diagnosed with incurable liver cancer.
As well as his political career, Denis’ colourful working life included positions as a cashier at the tote at Shawfield Greyhound Stadium, 18 years as an agent with Pearl Insurance, and latterly sharing a black Hackney taxi driving stint with pal Jim McMenemy.
Denis and Jean, also 70, were keen bowlers, playing at St Mark’s Indoor Bowling Club and netting a clutch of trophies between them.
As the couple’s children were growing up, they would play badminton at Burnhill sports centre, which was later to become the venue for Denis’ surgeries.
He was a member of the men’s club at St Mark’s, and was an active member on the church council at St Anthony’s, where he gave regular readings at Sunday Mass.
To express their gratitude for the care Denis received at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, members of his family took part in their first ‘Off the Beatson Track’ 10K event in 2017, raising more than £6000.
Despite their distance from home, sons Paul and Tony insisted on playing their part in the fundraising effort, with Paul running 10K in Australia, and Tony running 10K on a treadmill on an oil rig in the North Sea.
Describing her dad as “the best man, husband, dad and grandpa anyone could wish for,” Ellen, 47, said: “He was the most kind-hearted person, so generous and loving – the best guy ever.”
Among those to pay tribute was former Labour MP Ged Killen, who lost his Rutherglen seat at last month’s General Election.
Mr Killen said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Denis McKenna.
“Denis was a kind and decent man who always worked tirelessly as a local councillor.
“He will be sorely missed by all of us in the Labour Party.
“My thoughts are with Jean and all his family at this very difficult time.”
Tributes also poured in online via the Auld Rutherglen site for devoted family man Denis – loving grandpa to Ally, Rachael, Paul, Carys and Georgie.
Geraldine Baird wrote: “Denis was an excellent councillor and champion of local people.
“He gave his time and energy for many, many years, to help make Rutherglen a better place. When I met him he was always upbeat, kind and helpful. He will be so missed.”
Beth Frances Macintyre posted: “Such lovely tributes deserved of such a good man. His life touched so many... I was privileged to have known him and shared many a laugh in his home.
“Never to be forgotten and what a legacy he has left behind in you all; lovely, lovely Denis.”
Also sending their condolences to Denis’ family was Rutherglen West & Wardlawhill Parish Church, which posted: “Was a great support to his constituents and will be sadly missed by all at W&W and also Burnhill Action Group.”
A requiem mass was held at St Anthony’s RC Church on Monday and Denis’ funeral mass took place yesterday.