Tributes paid after death of Glasgow city housing champion John Kane

The former councillor died this week aged 75 after serving almost 9 years as a councillor and dedicated supporter of housing in Govan.

John was the chair of Elderpark Housing and also Chair of Govan Housing Association’s “Home Team” repairs subsidiary.

Councillor Jacqueline McLaren said: “I am truly saddened by the news of the death of former councillor John Kane.  John was a well-liked and respected councillor for Govan, and served a number of organisations in the area, showing his dedication to improve housing and housing services there.  I would like to offer my condolences to his loved ones for their loss.”

Both Elderpark and Govan housing associations along with neighbouring Linthouse Housing Association paid tribute describing John as “caring and dedicated.”

John became Chair of Elderpark Housing in 2022 and was a tenant of the Association. He was also a founding member of the Govan Home Team.

Paying tribute to his selfless dedication to the city and to the housing association, Elderpark Housing chief executive Gary Dalziel described him as “someone who truly cared for all people in the community as well as those closest to him”.

Gary Dalziel said: “John’s dedication to the Govan community – both in his council service and his contribution to Elderpark Housing, Govan Home Team and his many other commitments – will be remembered with great affection by those whose lives he touched.

“He was a true community champion – utterly devoted to the wellbeing of others and, from our perspective, the delivery of good housing and a strong community.

“John’s popularity transcended the usual political rivalry and his hard work and commitment to our community is there for all to see. He will be greatly missed but we are deeply grateful for his years of service to Elderpark Housing, Govan Home Team, the Govan community and the wider City of Glasgow

“On a personal level he was always supportive, always thoughtful and always positive and a person someone I enjoyed talking to and felt at ease to be around. He will be sadly missed by many especially his partner David having been together for over 40 years and everyone at Elderpark Housing is saddened by his passing.”

Already a long standing community activist, John entered local politics in 2013 winning a local by election in Govan by a commanding margin for the Labour party. He was re-elected in 2017 but did not stand at the 2022 election.

Gary Maguire, chair of Govan Housing Association, added: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Kane.  John was hard working and passionate about the community.  As chair of Govan Housing I had the honour of working with John on many projects including the creation of the Govan Home Team - one of John’s many legacies which will be valued and treasured for generations to come.”

Fiona McTaggart, chief executive of Govan Housing Association, commented: “It was an absolute privilege to know and work with John.  He was a dedicated founder member of the Govan Home Team and made sure that the vision for employment and training opportunities were made available to the people of Govan.  He was a strong support to the Govan community and worked tirelessly for local people whom he cared about deeply.

“During my 10 years at Govan Housing Association John was a constant support. I could discuss anything with him and his advice was always given in a manner that was positive and helpful. Govan Housing Association and the HOME Team will miss him greatly and we are thankful that we got to know John as a colleague and a friend. We send our deepest condolences to his family.”

Irene C McFarlane, chief executive of Linthouse Housing Association, said: “We mourn the passing of outstanding public servant whose selfless dedication to the community was hugely admired. John was devoted to the task of helping others - both in his role as a city councillor which he performed with distinction - and in his support for community-based housing. Everyone at Linthouse is saddened by his death and we send our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.”

Funeral details are still to be announced by John’s family.