Real Lives: Tributes are paid to man of integrity and courage

Stewart Blaik, chairman of Leith Central Community Council, a stalwart trade unionist and Labour Party member, has died just one day after his 75th birthday. He has been described as a “man of courage, loyalty, integrity and good counsel”, devoted to his community, politics and family.

Stewart was born in Pilton and attended Moray House School, to which he won a scholarship. On leaving, after a period of National Service in the Royal Signals, he joined the GPO as a linesman, later becoming a telephone engineer.

Stewart’s trade union work began with the Post Office Engineering Union – later the CWU (Communication Workers Union) – and its benevolent fund, to which he continued to put together annual food parcels for retired members.

Closer to home, from a young age he was devoted to community groups in Edinburgh, spending countless years with Leith Neighbourhood Partnership and Leith Central Community Council, as well as Leith Labour Party, which he served as chairman.

In his private life, he was a devoted husband to Margaret Wilson, whom he met in 1958 at the Cavendish dance hall in Tollcross.

“Stewart was known as a man of courage, loyalty, integrity and good counsel,” said Nick Gardner, from Leith Walk Central Labour Party. “He instilled into his extended family all his good values, and was the first one they all went to for help and advice – without fail.

“He was also known as combative and forceful in his views, with a deep growl of a voice, usually laced with mischief and humour.”

Councillor Ricky Henderson added: “The Labour movement instilled in him a sense of order and priority. Stewart believed that everyone was entitled to their say and that issues should be fully debated before a conclusion and decision reached.”

His recent campaigns involved the enhancement of Dalmeny Park, the redesigning of Boundary Square to help reduce anti-social problems, and making Pirniefield Park a safer place for children. He also played a huge part in relief work for orphans in Romania.

“Stewart was a man open to new ideas and ways and stood foursquare behind the Leith Open Space initiative to reach out to ethnic minority community members after the July 7 2005 bombings,” said Mr Gardner.

Community activist Fay Young added: “This is just another example of his belief that creating a strong community means being able to talk and listen, and giving everyone a chance to be heard.”

As well as a much-loved husband to Margaret, Stewart was a proud father to three, grandfather to six, and great-grandfather to one. “I think my dad stayed “young” because he was open to new ideas and was always willing to learn,” said his daughter Angela. “What he did for the community, he more than tripled for his family.”

Hundreds of mourners paid their respects on Friday at Stewart’s funeral at Seafield Crematorium.