Seamus Harkin, a much-loved and key figure at the Addiction and Recovery Centre in Kirkintilloch sadly passed away earlier this month, just days after a celebration event where he was honoured as this year’s Provost’s Community Champion.
He was joined by dozens of family and friends at the Centre on Monday 14 July where he was presented with his award by Provost Gillian Renwick and Depute Provost Colette McDiarmid.
With the blessing of his family we are sharing the story of his success.
A well-kent face around Kirkintilloch, Seamus helped run the Addiction Recovery Centre in the town for more than 20 years and helped turned countless lives around – sometimes in the centre where the group meets three times a week but often on the end of a 24hr helpline.
Many of those he supported through addiction or mental health issues attended his presentation event, a measure of his popularity and the esteem in which he was held locally.
Seamus spoke warmly about the support he’d been given to help him do what he does and paid tribute to his ‘lovely family’ and the friends he had been blessed with. He expressed his gratitude for the life he had led and encouraged everyone in an impromptu sing-song of ‘You are my Sunshine’ followed by lots of chat, tea and cake.
He was nominated for the award by Lorraine who volunteers at the centre. She said, “Seamus always made time for everyone who came into the centre, from teenagers to people into their 80s. He helped them and their families with practical solutions, sheer compassion and dedication.
“He organised groups where people could safely and openly discuss their feelings and he steered them towards the help they need. He also helped with the admin of the centre and was always available when needed, regardless of what it was.
“It was just amazing to see the commitment, dedication, time, energy and love he put into this much needed service. His dedication was second to none. He was nearly 80 years old and genuinely a very humble, admirable and very unique gentleman. This award is so well deserved and such a fitting tribute to our friend who will be very much missed.”
Lorraine’s nomination was on behalf of people who currently attend the centre or who have attended over the last 20 years, their families and others in the local community who appreciated Seamus’ hard work.
When Seamus met Provost Renwick and Depute Provost McDiarmid at the Centre with all of his well-wishers gathered to support and celebrate with him, he said, “It’s lovely to get this award and to be recognised for my work here at the centre but I don’t do it for recognition and it doesn’t feel like work.
“I feel very humble to have been nominated and to have so many people say such kind things about me. I am part of a team at the centre so the award is for us all. So many people keep the ship running but a special mention and thanks from me to Lorraine and Tony.
“I’m very lucky to have a wonderful family who have always supported me in all aspects of my life. I’m grateful for them and for all the friends I have made through the centre over the years who have helped me more than they will know.
“Thanks to Lorraine for taking the time to nominate me and to the Provost and Depute Provost for coming to the centre to see the valuable service that is provided here. I am honoured to receive this award which was very unexpected.”
Provost Renwick added, “We were all deeply saddened to hear of Seamus’ passing. It was lovely to meet him and help celebrate his achievement. It was clear how much he was loved and respected and how much he will be missed.
Seamus was everything that the Community Champion Awards are about. His commitment to the Centre and his unwavering support for others is his legacy and I am honoured to have met him.
Volunteers from the Addiction Recovery Centre had these final words in memory of Seamus: “We will continue to carry on with Seamus’ monumental commitment at the centre and thank East Dunbartonshire Council for all their support. Seamus is man that could never be replaced but his memory will stay with us for ever and we will endeavour to carry on his legacy at the centre.”
Provost Renwick and Depute Provost McDiarmid extend their condolences and warmest wishes to Seamus’ family and friends and every who knew him.
