Council pays tribute to Depute Provost Jean Goldie

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Councillor Jim Harkins, leader of Renfrewshire Council, said: “Councillor Jean Goldie was an important part of the council in both her role as local member for Elderslie and as depute provost. She was truly committed to her constituents and was always happy to help and listen to local residents. Her death is a great loss and she will be missed by all.”

Renfrewshire Council's chief executive Tom Scholes added: "The whole council is saddened by the death of Councillor Jean Goldie. Jean was a popular and conscientious councillor who was well liked and respected by all who worked with her in the council. Jean’s natural kindness and concern for others was matched by a commitment to helping people through her work as a local councillor and her involvement at a senior level in a wide range of Council boards. All our thoughts are now with her family and friends at this difficult and sad time."

Jean was born in Sunderland in the north east of England in 1927. In 1944 her family moved to Paisley, Renfrewshire, and it was here that she met David who was to become her husband. At the end of the war her family moved back to Sunderland where Jean developed a strong interest in politics.

In 1950 she married David and went with him to Portugal in 1951. During their thirteen years in Portugal they had four children - three daughters and a son. They returned to Scotland in 1964 and took up residence in Elderslie. Jean returned to college as a mature student and gained teaching qualifications in business studies, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in social science and took up a post as a college lecturer. Jean retired from her position as senior lecturer in 1992.

With her keen interest in politics, Jean had been heavily involved in local community affairs since coming to live in Elderslie. In 1995 she was elected as councillor for Elderslie in Renfrewshire Council and in 1999 and 2003 was re-elected and appointed depute provost.

Jean was an active member and sat on the Lifelong Learning & Work, General Management, Licensing and Regulatory Functions Policy boards. Jean was also a member of the Valuation Board, Strathclyde Passenger Transport, Strathclyde Joint Police Board, Clyde Muirshiel Country Park board and on the Scottish Accident and Prevention Council’s Home Safety committee.

Her interests included travel, social groups, local charities and devotion to her seven grandchildren and great grandson.


Press release: Wednesday 20 September 2006