The leader of Tameside Council Kieran Quinn has died after suffering a heart attack just before Xmas it has been announced.
He died on Monday evening with his wife and two sons at his side together with his close family.
In a statement released this morning by Tameside Council, they say:
Kieran will be sorely missed. First and foremost he was a great family man rooted in the community of Droylsden and Tameside. A deep belief that everyone was entitled to a good and fair start in life led him to dedicate his life to public service – working for others and the community he loved.
Extremely hard working with an unfailingly generous personality, Kieran instinctively put himself on the side of those least able to look out for themselves. There are few people in our community whose lives aren’t better for the actions Kieran took. He had a strong and clear vision as to how to make Tameside a better place for everyone and a determination to make that happen – despite austerity and the inordinate budgets cuts the Borough faced.
In his various roles Kieran made an enormous contribution to the community of Tameside, and beyond. As well as being the Executive Leader of Tameside he was the Chair of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) and an architect of devolution for Greater Manchester.
At times of great challenge when clarity of leadership was required Kieran never shied away from the tough decisions. Whether astutely guiding Tameside Council through the most difficult period for local government in living memory, ensuring the GMPF grew into the largest most successful pension fund in the UK against the wider trend of pensions shortfalls or fighting to reduce the north south economic imbalance now widely recognised through the Northern Powerhouse agenda, he always stood up and provided the necessary leadership.
Kieran always believed helping the most vulnerable – and supporting families and the community to flourish – needed more than kind words. Tough decisions to deliver successful public services were essential. What he often referred to do as ‘doing well while doing good’.
The huge gap which will be left in public life in Tameside following his passing is a testament to the depth and breadth of his contribution to our community. As are the many achievements and the significant legacy of his near quarter century of service on the Council, and in other roles within and beyond Tameside.
Kieran will be greatly missed by his many friends and colleagues at Tameside Council.
The Council will be setting up a book of condolences and any message you would like to leave or make can be made to communications@tameside.gov.uk in order to allow the family to come to terms with their shock and loss.
