Stewart Wright

Born: April 10, 1938

Died: December 4, 2014

To mention "chain gang" to anyone who is not a member of the Trades House of Glasgow might cause a puzzled reaction. To those who are members, the Chain Gang of the Deacon Convener and his supporting Deacons and Visitor of the Trades of Glasgow and associated organisations are of considerable significance. This "gang", with its dedicated aim of supporting those in need within the city of Glasgow, places a great responsibility on the leader of the gang. None filled the post better than ex-convener Stewart Wright.

Born in Paisley, the only son of Bill and Esther Wright, Stewart was educated at Paisley Grammar School and was a member of the local Boys' Brigade. On leaving school he qualified as a quantity surveyor with the firm Langmuir & Hay. He then went on to work for Ailsa Homes in Barrhead and then Robert Corbett & Son in Uddingston.

He then decided to establish his own business, Cochran & Henry builders. Based in the Bridgeton area of Glasgow, the firm became highly respected in the trade. It later expanded into shopfitting where its good reputation continued. In no small way, Stewart ensured the loyalty of his staff by his concern for their well-being. When he reached retirement age, he chose to continue in a business which he thoroughly enjoyed, with the continued employment of his staff a major reason for his decision.

Apart from his significance as an employer in the East End, Stewart joined various organisations which provided support for the community. In his own quiet way, he served these organisations with vigour and knowledge. His motivation? He was a devoted Church member and even in his final years when he was imperilled by severe illness he attended his local kirk, Giffnock South Parish Church, whose congregation he served as an active and highly respected elder for 30 years.

Among voluntary organisations related to the East End, he was president of the Glasgow Eastern Merchants and of the Bridgeton Burns Club with its commitment to Scottish cultural attainment of school children in the East End. He was also a member of the Sandyford Burns Club, a member of the board of the Neurosciences Foundation at the Southern General hospital and of the Friends of Glasgow Cathedral.

He was a member of the Incorporation of Cordiners. He was also a member of the Incorporation of Wrights and the Incorporation of Maltmen. In 1993 he succeeded to the highest office in his craft as deacon of his mother craft, the Cordiners, joining the Chain Gang of "Sandy" Bone. That particular Chain Gang coincided with the 200th anniversary of the building of the Trades Hall. The Chain Gang of that year raised almost £2,000 towards the refurbishment of the library with its fine collection of books.

His work for the Trades House and affection for the institution was recognised when he became Collector of the House in 2000 and ultimately Deacon Convener in 2002. The acme of a successful year was the donation of £30,000 to the Columba 1400 Project. Founded by Professor Norman Drummond, Columba 1400 works with various partners such as schools and support groups to give assistance to young people from disadvantaged and challenging backgrounds.

Stewart had many hobbies which included table tennis, curling, golf, fishing and travel. In later life, he tended to prefer small ship cruising and visited such diverse countries as Yemen, Jordan, Vietnam and South Africa. He also loved the Scottish Borders.

Most admire and appreciate good works. Those who knew Stewart Wright were humbled by what he achieved in his later years for the benefit of his fellow citizens. Just at the time he became Collector of the House he was struck down with a vigorous cancer. Nine years after conquering the illness, he suffered a serious head injury and a year later, worst of all, he was struck down with a stroke.

He never complained and still enjoyed socialising and meeting friends. And it is here that we realise the other great strength and motivation in Stewart's life. He was a dedicated family man with the greatest love in his wife Jeanette and his two children Laura and Stephen along with their spouses Philip and Lindi. The apples of his eye were his two grandchildren Michael and Sylvie. In his final years of illness, he was tended at home by Jeanette and the family including his sister-in-law Joyce and her husband Tom. No man could have been better cared for.