Former chairwoman of Linthouse Housing Association

Former chairwoman of Linthouse Housing Association

Born: August 31, 1919; Died: July 16, 2014.

Agnes Cormack, who has died aged 94, was a member of the management committee of Linthouse Housing Association for more than 20 years and was secretary and chairwoman for five years until her retirement from the association in 2010. She oversaw rapid change at the association, including stock transfers and the setting up of the LUV (Linthouse Urban Village) café.

She was born in Reid Street, Govan, in 1919 and lived in the area all her life, including more than 60 years happily in Linthouse. For 34 years, she was employed as a French polisher in the Fairfield shipyards until her retirement in 1979.

During her time as the housing association's chairwoman, she presided over a number of significant achievements, with one of her proudest moments being the opening of the Eldergrove Sheltered/Very Sheltered Housing Complex. She was a well-known face to the residents due to her regular visits and ensured the service was maintained to the highest standard.

Her honesty, integrity and attitude have been transfused into every part of the association and she was of immense value to its members in times of difficulty when they stood together and faced whatever problems needed to be dealt with. She led by example and everyone knew they could rely on her to be there in times of need.

A passionate exponent for the provision of high-quality, affordable social housing, she also presided over the innovative Linthouse Urban Village concept, which developed into the LUV café, gallery and the colourful shopfronts project.

The management team benefited enormously from her constant encouragement and support, which made the ups and downs and occasional setbacks much more tolerable. Despite suffering from arthritis, she never complained nor missed appointments and was always smiling and looking on the bright side of life.

In 2006 she was awarded an MBE in recognition of her contribution to Govan and community-based housing.

Kenny MacLeod, the interim executive director of Linthouse Housing Association, said: "Agnes was on the management committee for many years and it was through this dedication to her community that she was awarded her MBE.

"She was a great friend to many of us and her humour, intelligence and warmth will be sorely missed."

She continued to be active until a couple of years ago and often took the Subway from Govan into Glasgow to go shopping.

She is survived by her son, Archie, his wife, Wendy, two grandsons and their wives and three great-grandchildren.