A FORMER chief executive of Barrow Borough Council has died after battling a life-long illness with bravery.

Robert McCulloch died at the age of 71 at Furness General Hospital following a long illness borne with fortitude.

The grandad-of-two leaves behind his wife of 49 years Margaret, two children Alison and Fiona, sons-in-law Andrew and David and grandchildren Elsa and Ivy.

Robert and Margaret first met in January 1970 where they were both students at Edinburgh University.

“We were complete opposites,” said Mrs McCulloch, a retired headteacher who lives in Ulverston.

“He was a classics scholar, a bit of a maverick who thought you made your own rules in life. I was a privately educated girl who aways obeyed the rules. However, we gelled and have been together ever since. He always made me feel safe and loved.”

The couple married in 1973 and began their life together in one of the most deprived areas of Edinburgh where he had been appointed housing officer.

Mr McCulloch soon made his mark in Edinburgh, setting up one of the first refuges for victims of domestic abuse and becoming a founding member of Scotland’s Children’s Panel, helping to rehabilitate many young people.

The couple soon moved to Dundee and welcomed their two children Alison and Fiona

“He enjoyed fatherhood and was very hands on although he refused point blank to change nappies,” said Mrs McCulloch.

The family moved to Glasgow in 1979 when Mr McCulloch became one of Glasgow Council’s magnificent seven and was given responsibility for Drumchapel.

Mrs McCulloch said: “Robert was able to mix with all and our friends ranged from Donald Dewar, first minister of Scotland, to Morag who cleaned his office. He was a true man of the people. He liked people who were genuine and did not suffer fools gladly.

“He had a great sense of humour and had lots of friends. If you were one of his friends, he would really look after you. He was a maverick – he didn’t believe rules should be followed.

“He liked identifying people he thought would do well and mentoring them to take on higher roles.

“Robert was one of those people that if he thought you were trying he would back you all the way.”

The family moved to Little Urswick in 1989 and he quickly became a valued member of the local Cumbrian community.

Mr McCulloch was chief executive of Barrow Borough Council from 1979-1983 before retiring due to ill health.

He was born with Marfan syndrome: a disorder of the body's connective tissues that maintain the structure of the body and support internal organs and other tissues.

This led to a number of significant health issues throughout Mr McCulloch’s life, including severe visual impairment.

Despite these adversities, Mr McCulloch wanted to lead a normal life and was a ‘true example’ to those fighting hidden battles, says his wife.

She said: “He didn’t let it bring him down. I don’t think people realised how ill he was. He was good at hiding it and wanted to look after his family and be there for everyone.

“He was an example to us all. His condition never stopped him from doing what he wanted to do.”

Unable to carry on in his council role, Mr McCulloch took early retirement, however, he did not relax for long, setting up his own management company, volunteering as a magistrate, becoming a trustee of both Mind and Sight Advice South Lakes and a non- exec member of Morecambe Bay Health Authority and setting up a fishing group in Urswick.

“Our life revolved around hospital and doctor appointments,” Mrs McCulloch said.

“However, he could still make me laugh and I am glad we were lucky enough to have these final years together. He was one of the most courageous people I know and battled his ill health with quiet determination, a great role model to many.

“He never admitted how much pain he was in and, as always, was trying to protect me.”

Mr McCulloch loved spending time with his children and grandchildren who he was exceptionally proud of.

In 2019, he suffered a brain haemorrhage, then a stroke and with his sight loss and mobility problems it was impossible for his wife to keep him safe at home.

Mr McCulloch moved to Risedale and then Hollow Oak Nursing Home where his health deteriorated.

A much-loved husband, father and grandfather, Mr McCulloch has left a huge hole in the lives of his loved ones.