Book of condolence
Oldham Council is saddened to announce the death of Councillor Glenys Butterworth.
Glenys was first elected to her seat in 2007 as a Labour Councillor after almost 50 years as a resident of the area.
She was subsequently re-elected again in 2011 and served as a member of Oldham Council’s Licensing Committee, its Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and also as one of the Borough’s representatives on the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority.
Glenys’ work as a Ward Member was her key focus.
She was a passionate contributor to (and former chair) of the Failsworth and Hollinwood District Partnership and a representative on the Rochdale Canal Trust.
As a valued community leader, Glenys was also involved in several local campaigns and support groups for causes that included the Children’s Centre at Propps Hall, Failsworth School, the restoration of Failsworth Town Hall and a new community centre.
Glenys was elected to the former Greater Manchester Council in 1981 representing Rochdale and Heywood.
She also worked at Oldham Council for around 30 years including a role as a Trade Union official for UNISON before retiring in 2003.
Glenys then took on the volutary role of UNISON Retired Members secretary and held this until 2010.
Members of the public, friends and colleagues are invited to pay their own personal tributes in this online Book of Condolence. Books are also available at the Civic Entrance (formerly Rochdale Road Reception) and at Failsworth Town Hall during normal opening hours.
If you wish to contribute, please fill in the form below.
19/08/2012
This is tragic news that has come as a terrible shock to everyone who was blessed enough to have known and met Glenys.
She was a feisty lady who was always a real fighter for the Trade Union movement and the Labour Party, so it was no surprise that she proved to be such an excellent Ward Member and champion for all her constituents in Failsworth West.
First and foremost, Glenys was also a devoted mother and grandmother, and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this deeply distressing time.
21/08/2012
I remember her for her support of members during several NALGO- UNISON campaigns.
A sad loss, but a life to be celebrated.
21/08/2012
I was saddened to learn of Glenys's passing. As the Executive Director of Contract Services at Oldham, I had the privilege of knowing and working with Glenys as a Unison representative between 1994 - 2001. These were difficult times for the ‘in house’ services and Glenys always had a calming influence and was a very pragmatic person in tricky situations between management and trades unions and together we always got through these. I learned a lot from Glenys for which I am eternally grateful. Its right we celebrate her life; her enduring spirit and love of people.
Mike Kelly
Chief Executive
Bury Council
21/08/2012
With deepest sympathy.In our thoughts always. R.I.P Keith and Hazel.
22/08/2012
Glenys, a socialist through and through who will be greatly missed but never forgotten
22/08/2012
Rest in peace Aunty Glenys, you were an inspirational woman who I looked up to and admired. You leave a big hole in your families lives but you live on in them. Give Uncle Eric a big love from me, all my love your Tracey xxxx
22/08/2012
Such a shock to hear. Glenys was a lovely lady, a friend to Failsworth Carnival. She will be much missed by the people of Failsworth. My thoughts are with her family.
22/08/2012
Aunty glenys. What a truly amazing lady. The world has lost a fabulous hard working person. U were one in a million. Now safe in the arms of Uncle Eric.loved and remembered always. Diane and family xxxxxxx
22/08/2012
Such a shock to hear this sad news about Glenys, who I had the pleasure of working with over the years. She was a real community champion whose presence and activity will be sorely missed. My thoughts go out to her family and friends.
22/08/2012
I am humbled and proud to have had Glenys in my life. Shes mum of my partner and best friend, Vance and also `our Kazza`. Wayne and Lee and all grandchildren will miss her terribly. There will be a big gap in the social events we have but memories we have and take comfort in those. Lovely lady who i will miss and love always. xx
22/08/2012
Glenys was a real Lancashire lass. Spent Xmas with her and the family and made me feel most welcome. Always will be remembered. RIP Glenys
06/09/2012
I was very sad to hear of Glenys’ passing. She was a stalwart of Oldham Council in several different capacities. She was also a lovely lady and very popular in Failsworth. A real loss to the Failsworth community. My deepest sympathies to her family.
14/09/2012
A lovely lady with a heart of gold, my thoughts are with her family and friends. Rest in peace Glenys xxxxxxxx
18/09/2012
I first knew Glenys when I moved to Failsworth for 2 years in 1974. I was extremely young and equally idealistic. Glenys was always enormously encouraging and supportive and we remained in contact until this year. The support she gave me all those years ago and in the times we met subsequently are all part of the confidence building that gave us the encouragement to take on the roles such as mine that we undertake today. They also ensured that we did not lose our idealism. I am only sorry that I was unable to join the family on the 28th August, but would like Wayne, Lee, Vance, Karen and their families, friends and colleagues know that I have been thinking of them and I too am so very sad to have lost Glenys. One small matter for the record, Glenys first became involved in politics campaigning as a child for Labour in the 1945 General Election and she never stopped fighting for the things she believed in until the day she died. She will be so enormously missed, but never forgotten.