Musical send-off for ‘gentle giant’ Henry
Locals line streets to pay respects to councillor
Tributes have been paid to councillor Henry Anderson as he was laid to rest on Tuesday.
A funeral service was held in Dunbarney Church before Piper to the City of Perth, Pipe Major Alastair Duthie, led his coffin - draped in a Saltire - from his Bridge of Earn home to Dunbarney Cemetery.
The Almond and Earn councillor, who died from COVID-19 last month, was described as a “gentle giant” and a “thoroughly decent human being who cared for people”.
Due to the pandemic only a small number of family members and friends were allowed to attend. But those who were unable to be there in person were able to watch the service via a live video link.
And locals lined the streets - socially distanced - to pay their respects.
The service was held by the Church of Scotland minister Rev Allan Wilson who knew Cllr Anderson very well.
Music played a big part in the SNP councillor’s life. There were several carefully chosen tracks played throughout the service including one Henry had listened to only a couple of weeks ago in hospital - The Mad Ferret Band’s version of Nancy Whisky.
Rev Wilson said: “He was a supporter of Brechin City and music - in particular local bands which is reflected in the music we are listening to today.
“As a young adult he supported his friends who were in a band and he became their roadie travelling from town to town. The band was called Gentle Influence.
“And in so many ways this is poignant because this could also be said of Henry.
He too often showed support to others and was a gentle influence especially with his loved ones.”
Rev Wilson said the great gift Cllr Anderson brought was “his uniqueness.”
He said: “He was a well-kent face around these parts and his death due to COVID just over two weeks ago came as a shock to many of us.”
Rev Wilson said there was “now a large gap in our community and in our lives which Henry served so faithfully.”
The minister read out tributes by political colleagues and said Facebook tributes were summed up in a post by Perth and Kinross councillor Tom McEwan.
The fellow SNP councillor described Henry as “a gentleman, a dedicated councillor, family man and a friend to many.”
Rev Wilson said: “I would add simply that Henry loved what was local - first his family and secondly his community.”
Cllr Anderson leaves behind his wife Shirley, their three children Scott, Ross, and Kathy and grandson Jordi.
The council’s SNP group leader Cllr Grant Laing attended the funeral along with Cllr Tom Gray and former SNP group leader Dave Doogan.
After the service Cllr Anderson was taken to his home - where the Saltire was flying at half mast - and led by a piper to Dunbarney Cemetery.
Cllr Laing said it was “really touching” to see locals lining the streets - socially distanced - to pay their respects.