Real Lives: 'Everyone who knew Irene has lost a friend'

TRIBUTES have been paid to Irene Cockburn, 64, a long serving employee of Historic Scotland who died recently.

Historic Scotland took the rare step of flying the flag above their Longmore House HQ at half mast last week to mark the passing of Mrs Cockburn, a long serving reprographics officer.

The gesture, usually reserved for highly regarded dignitaries, was offered alongside a special Book of Condolences to her family to honour her 17 years service.

Mrs Cockburn served Historic Scotland right up to her death from Ovarian Cancer aged 64 on October 22.

The book and its accompanying gesture were tearfully received by her husband Billy, known to hundreds of children as the janitor at Broughton High School. Many of the staff and pupils at the school also gathered to pay a respectful tribute to Mrs Cockburn as she was taken from the janitor's residence to be laid to rest.

"No greater tribute could be paid to a more humble and loving person, who has always put others before herself," said Mr Cockburn.

"Everyone who knew Irene has lost a friend, but she will remain in their heart forever. My family and I will never forget these wonderful farewell tributes."

Irene was born on July 14, 1944 in Simpson Memorial Maternity Hospital, the eldest of three children born to labourer John Thomson and his wife Catherine.

She attended St Bernards and Ainslie Park Schools before going on to work as a sales girl at the Leith Provident Store on Great Junction Street.

To make ends meet she also took a part-time job as an usherette at the Regent Cinema on Abbeyhill.

"I used to sneak into the cinema and eye her up, and one of the other ushers caught me one day and offered me a job," said Mr Cockburn. "I only took it to be close to her."

The couple were married in November 1963 and their first daughter Karen was born the following year.

Before the decade was out they had a second daughter Angela, and a son William.

By the mid-70s Irene was starting to complain of aches and pains that were eventually diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis, a progressive illness that leaves sufferers in almost constant pain.

"The only way that she could describe the pain was to relate it to constant toothache," said Mr Cockburn. "However she rarely missed her work. If she was off work she was really ill."

Three years ago Irene was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer and had to undergo a full hysterectomy, followed up with courses of chemotherapy.

Ever determined to beat her adversities at all costs she returned to work, retaining her sense of humour and never complaining about her illness.

Brian O'Neil, director of human resources at Historic Scotland, said: "Our thoughts are with Billy and the family and we are delighted that our special book of condolence and by flying the flag at half mast meant so much to them.

"Irene was a valued member of staff who was with Historic Scotland for 17 years. Irene will be sadly missed by all her friends and colleagues."

Mrs Cockburn's funeral took place on October 28 with a humanist service followed by a reception at the Civil Service Club.