Honour for popular Gourock figure
Published 4 Feb 2012 10:00
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FAMILY and friends of a well-known Gourockian are aiming to honour his memory with a commemorative bench in the town.
Henry McHenery - known as Junior - was a popular and well-liked figure around the town and missed by many when he sadly passed away in October last year.
Friends and family are now paying tribute by hosting a fundraising event which will raise funds for a memorial bench and collect for charity.
Henry's daughter, Lynda, said that her father was proud to be a 'true Gourockian' and always had a smile and cheeky word for everyone he met.
Born in 1938 at Cardwell Road, Junior became a very talented runner and ran for Wellpark Harriers, coming third for Scotland in the six-mile junior cross country championships.
He later served his time as a painter and decorator with McCaull's in Kempock Street.
It was during this time that he met Colina, who he was to marry and spend 46 happy years with.
Sadly Colina suffered a stroke in 1988 and was left paralysed, and requiring a wheelchair.
Four months later Junior also took a stroke.
However, Lynda said: "There was no stopping him - he just got up and got on with it.
"He cared for his wife, his children and grandchildren, as well as anyone else who needed his help.
"My dad would do friends' and neighbours' gardens even when he didn't feel great.
"He was stubborn and determined to make the most of life.
"He was well-known about Gourock because he was always out and about talking to people - or often winding them up."
Sadly Colina passed away in 2008 but Junior remained an upbeat figure about the town, despite his personal loss.
Friends and family will hold the charity night in his memory at the Torpedo Factory Club in Gourock on Friday 10 February at 7.30pm.
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 04 Feb 12
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