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Tributes to Frank Maguire
Lord Penrose paid tribute to the part Frank played in campaigning for the inquiry which is into Hepatitis C and HIV infections from contaminated NHS blood supplies.
He added: “It's a matter of regret that someone who had worked so hard and as long to achieve this result should not survive to see the exercise completed”.
Senior Counsel Simon Di Rollo who is acting for the victims and their families at the Penrose Inquiry, who are represented by Thompsons, said:
There have been many tributes paid to Frank, not just from within the profession but well beyond. It is obvious from these just how highly regarded he was and what a tremendous contribution he made in so many areas.
Many lawyers come across injustice, unfairness and deprivation regularly in the course of their working lives. It is one thing to notice such things but beyond the individual case, it is quite another to do something about them. Frank did. Few have the inclination, the talent or the energy to synthesize disparate voices of dissent and mould them into a unified and effective force to challenge the received wisdom. Frank did.
Few have the necessary advocacy and political skills to influence decision-makers to secure necessary legislative changes. Frank did.
Few have the persistence and singularity of purpose to fight for those that would otherwise be ignored. Frank did.
His significant contribution to the setting up of this Inquiry is just one of his many achievements.
I do know how incredibly impressed he was by the preliminary report and the power of work undertaken by the Inquiry team. For those of us continuing to assist this process on behalf of the patients, relatives and the Haemophilia Society, we will try to do so in a manner fitting to his memory.
It was a privilege to work alongside Frank as he campaigned tirelessly, even through his illness, for the rights of people in our society who have suffered great injustices. It was a proud moment when the Scottish Parliament voted to ensure that people in Scotland who suffer from pleural placques as a result of exposure to asbestos at work can continue to receive damages to which they should be entitled. Frank played a crucial role in that campaign and that is but one piece of legislation in a whole range where Frank's able and passionate advocacy improved the lives of those who have suffered injury in their workplace, and improved the lives of their loved ones for whom these events are so traumatic. We will miss his contribution in Parliament, and so many of us will miss not only his drive and energy but also his humour and friendship. Many condolences to Fiona, Calum, Matthew, Luke and John and to everyone at Thompsons.
Richard Baker MSP - Scottish Parliament
The trade union movement had no greater friend than Frank Maguire. His enduring legacy includes support for asbestos campaigns and Hepatitis C sufferers and his tireless work to ensure that Scottish civil courts continue to provide a platform for delivering justice for workers and providing adequate compensation for their injuries. We can honour his memory by redoubling our fight for justice and the causes he championed.
Grahame Smith - General Secretary the STUC
It is with honour and pride that Clydeside Action on Asbestos pay tribute to the late Frank Maguire, whose support and dedication to asbestos victims throughout Scotland was outstanding.
As a charity Clydeside Action on Asbestos can personally attest that Frank Maguire worked tirelessly for those who faced injustice through no fault of their own. Every effort was sought by him, and his specialist team at Thompsons solicitors, to ensure that legislation be put in place to remedy the rights of his clients. The fight for those with Pleural Plaques to receive the due recompense they deserve, and the Right of Relatives to damages are only but a few of the changes that are attributed by him to help those with an asbestos condition.
Frank Maguire assisted many people, and his efforts are certainly recognised in his work on the Piper Alfa disaster, Hepatitis C and the numerous campaigns he became involved in to fight for Justice. However as most knew Frank Maguire’s real passion was in his continual fight for those with an asbestos condition. For these men and women he had the utmost respect and compassion.
Frank Maguire was an excellent Personal Injury solicitor with outstanding skills and dedication to those he represented. His legacy will certainly live on through his work.
Clydeside Action on Asbestos thoughts and prayers are with Franks family, whom he truly loved.
Clydeside Action on Asbestos commend such an honourable man who will be truly missed.
Phyllis Craig, Senior Welfare Rights Officer and Chair of Clydeside Action on Asbestos
So very sorry to hear of the death of Frank Maguire. As a former Unite official, I was involved with Frank in a number of cases over the years. I remember him best for representing Dark Room Technicians in their claim against Glasgow Health Board. The Technicians had been made very ill by close contact with chemicals used in processing X ray films and by the appalling conditions in which they worked. Thompsons issued proceedings, led by Frank, and the Board eventually settled. I remember, in particular, a Press Conference at the Union office at which Frank spoke for the women - he was magnificent! Throughout the legal proceedings, Frank met the women regularly, explained everything that was happening and gave them best advice. The women never forgot Frank and the friendship and support that he offered. Frank was a lovely human being, warm and friendly and giving of his best to whatever cause he was championing. I shall miss him very much.
Michael Fuller
iam a retired fbu official and was so sorry to hear about frank he was immensely helpful to myself and fraser parr when my brigade( h & i)was carrying out a series of vicious attacks on our members in stornoway for defending their union rights we will never forget his support and advice
John Urquhart Ex Brigade Secretary H&I
I first met Frank in 1997 when he was dealing with my late husband's Willie's case. It is very true that first impressions are lasting, As Frank explained everything in his gentle voice, I remember thinking here was an honest man, Someone in whom I immediately knew I could place my full trust and that he would do everything in his power to achieve a just settlement. As it happened my case went on for the next seven years with various delaying tactics such as significantly the "Fairchild Issue." Over the period we developed a deep understanding and commitment, to do everything that could be done to alleviate the added stress to asbestos victims and their families and Frank pursued the fast tracking for mesothelioma victims that stands today.
Frank was a truly exceptional man who went beyond his role as solicitor advocate in sense of duty and commitment to achieve justice for his clients. He was far seeing, and when he recognised flaws within the law itself he sought to rectify them.
On behalf of our chairman Bob Dickie, I must say we will certainly feel his loss at Clydebank Asbestos Group but in his name we will continue to seek justice for all asbestos victims.
Frank was such a gentle giant of a man and much too young. Scotland has lost a great man in his prime, a man who gave so much and had so much to give
Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife Fiona, his handsome sons; Calum, Mathew, Luke and John, may they have comfort at this time of sorrow.
I like many have lost a dear, dear young friend.
Joan Baird Clydebank Asbestos Group
“I was really sorry to hear the news. I only met Frank briefly a few times, but he struck me as a real fighter, with a genuine interest in people.”
Helen Mackenzie
“Frank’s influence on the Scottish legal system was immense. He was instrumental in bringing about some of the most progressive reforms in Scotland to benefit injured working people, their families and communities in a generation or more. His resolve, intellect and charm will be a great loss not only to his family, who are thoughts are with, but also to all those he worked with and represented with such skill and determination.”
Ian McFall, Thompsons, England
Nice to see a big man on the side of the small guy. A terrible loss. RIP Frank.
Paul
Frank was a very special person as is shown in the scale of tributes expressed to him in the memorials. He has been at the forefront in leading Trade Union Representation in so many issues, but particularly in the question of the tireless work he has been involved in supporting justice for asbestos workers, and those who suffered hepatitis C. Fiona and the boys should be extraordinarily proud of all the work he has been involved with. There can hardly have been a campaign which put ordinary workers at disadvantage which he has not become involved with on the side of the workers. I have been proud to have been involved with Frank in campaigns since the 1970's and since becoming General Secretary of the STUC in the 1980's. His advocacy on behalf of workers rights could not be faulted.
Campbell Christie, Former General Secretary, STUC
To My Wonderful Nephew, The earth was blessed when you entered the world. Your contribution to mankind is immeasurable. Most important was your love of wife, children, siblings, Mother and Father. You will never be forgotten by the lives of those you've touched.
Uncle Tom and Arlene touched.
Yet another taken far too young. I worked with Frank in Thompsons for about three months in 1993 while between jobs and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Frank will be sorely missed. My thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues.
Jim Bauld, TC Young
A true gentleman. He will be sadly missed.
David Ferguson
I was very sorry to hear of Frank’s demise. Though I had met him on very few occasions I know by reputation his enormous contribution to Justice matters and his energy in terms of fighting for the rights of those who would otherwise be abandoned. I will not be at the service at the weekend but hope that Frank’s family will find solace and strength at this very difficult time.
Graeme Pearson, MSP
When I started as an officer with the RCM 16+ years ago Frank and Nicola Dandridge were great supports and we would meet to discuss how best they could give that support. Frank was a true gentleman and nothing was too much trouble for him and although I had not met with him recently I followed his tireless efforts around the mesothelioma cases and felt proud that I had known him in some small way. I am sure there is great sadness within the organisation and his family but the legend that was the man will live on.
Gillian Smith (previously Lenaghan), Director The Royal College of Midwives UK Board for Scotland
I enjoyed the great privilege of being educated by Frank in the development of Unite's Civil Justice policies here in Scotland. This giant of a man, both intellectually and physically, showed more patience and grace to a green young lad than I probably deserved. However, it was evident that Frank had a total commitment to defending the rights of working people and their families in Scotland. "We have to defend the right to life." It was a mantra he repeated everytime we met, professionally or not. I only got to know Frank a little in what would be his final years but he left an indelible impression on me. My sincere condolences to his family.
Peter Welsh - Unite Scotland
As a retired regional organiser of MSF (now Unite), I had a number of dealings with Frank. I always found him to be helpful and understanding of people's problems. He had a gentle and confident manner of dealing with them which inspired trust and confidence. I deeply regret that he has been taken at so young an age. He had so much still to offer. My thoughts are with his wife and family at this difficult time.
Norrie McIntosh
Without many years of selfless work and support from Frank those affected with by the contaminated blood disaster in Scotland would not now be facing the best hope for justice for decades. His excellent legal brain was matched by a much wider committment to justice, compassion and fairness.
Dan Farthing
R.I.P. Mr Maguire, on behalf of my late husband david young and my family we thank you for all your hard work over the years helping the contaminated blood campaign.It is with help from people like you we will one day get justice, my condolences to your family who will be so proud of all your achievements.
Cathy Young
I had a huge amount of respect for Frank. He applied his values and made a real difference to people’s lives. An inspiration both to the political and legal worlds.
Sarah Boyack MSP
I was very sorry to hear of Frank’s premature death – my sincere condolences to his family and all at Thompsons on this very sad loss. I remain deeply grateful for the advice and support that you and Frank provided during the long years of the Stockline Plastics case. His leadership in fighting for workers on a whole range of cases in Scotland was unsurpassed and his absence will be very hard to fill – we have lost a good friend to the wider Labour movement. my prayers are with you all.
Ann McKechin M.P. Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland
I only knew Frank for a short time when his son Matthew played in a boys football team I ran. He was a faithful presence on the touchline on cold wet Saturdays and Sundays and a loyal supporter. He was a decent man, a good man and a true gentleman. I would like to pass my heartfelt condolences to Fiona and the boys. God Bless you all.
Willie Nicol
Although Frank McGuire was well known in many circles for his unfailing work for the causes he fought so hard for my memories of his will always be as a Dad. Even when he was ill, and I am sure just wanted to be on his own, he would pick up his youngest son and always had a few words to say to the staff and children in our setting. He was the world to Fiona and the boys and will be missed desperately but he has left such a legacy of strength and love that will remain with his family forever. A wonderful man who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Billie Walker
I had the pleasure of being on an ACTSA Scotland delegation to South Africa in the year 2000 of which Frank was also a member. I found him to be a warm and generous person and had several conversations with him on the subject of asbestosis as I had been a shipyard worker in the late sixties. I often saw him in Glasgow on his way to work and he always gave a wave and a smile when our paths crossed. My condolences to his family, friends an colleagues.
Brian Purdie
I discovered today that your partner and colleague, Frank Maquire, had passed in September. I was shocked. As you know he was so vigorous and full of life. I feel honored that I was able to work with him in some NITA teaching opportunities. I am sorry for your firm and for the legal profession in Scotland. Frank will be missed. Please accept my condolences and those of NITA faculty and friends throughout the world.
John T. Baker Executive Director/Public Programs Education Director National Institute for Trial Advocacy
Johann Lamont, Labour’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Secretary for Justice lodged a Parliamentary Motion at Holyrood, paying tribute to Frank as a Champion for Justice.
She said: “We wanted to recognise just how much we in Scotland owe to Frank Maguire, a giant in every way, and a hero to so many people."
Leading QC Paul McBride added: “Frank Maguire was an outstanding lawyer and a man of great integrity and decency who was entirely principled in everything he did. He was very much a supporter, professionally and personally, of the trade union movement, and took a lot of cases for people of whom he didn’t always ask payment.
“He always tried to improve people’s rights up and down the country, especially in a workplace setting. On an individual basis, for many people he will have changed their lives dramatically. He will also have set precedents over the years for the way employers should behave and the way they treat their employees.”
I was priviledged to work with Frank for nearly 30 years. He was an outstanding advocate for working folk and their families. While he always saw the "big picture", the need for legislative and organisational change , he never forgot the personal anguish and stress of clients and their famillies, keeping in touch through often protracted negotiations, explaining the situation in non-legal terms. His humanity was humbling.
Bob Thomson, Former Associte Scottish Secretary, UNISON
I was saddened to hear of Frank’s death and my thoughts are with his wife and family. He was a very skilled lawyer and a gifted crusader, he sought out the vulnerable and gave them a voice. But he was also a warm human being with an engaging sense of humour. I shall miss our conversations on the Glasgow /Gourock train as I shall his trademark Fedora hat. What will endure is his legacy of achievement in so many fields for so many people.
Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader.
My heartfelt condolences go to Fiona and the boys and all at Thompsons at this time. I was priviliged to have known Frank both professionally and personally and considered him to be a true and honest friend. All in the Trade Union and Labour movement in Scotland and beyond will miss this socialist lawyer who strived to achieve access to justice for all in our society regardless of their ability to pay. Frank did this tirelessly with dedication and determination along with insight and compassion. Frank was indeed a giant of a man who changed the law for the better to serve and protect the most vulnerable in our society.
Hugh Scullion - General Secretary Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions
As Chair of the campaign group TaintedBlood, I was deeply saddened to hear that Mr Maguire had passed away. All contaminated blood campaigners owe him a huge debt of gratitude for his tireless work to help us achieve justice, and particularly for his contribution to Lord Archer's inquiry and, more recently, to the Penrose Inquiry. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Mr Maguire's family, friends and colleagues. He will be very sadly missed but I am sure his legacy will live on.
Sue Threakall
Frank Maguire was tireless in his work for those seeking justice. Whether it was for those affected by Hepatitis C, pleural plaques or any number of other issues, he was a champion for all those looking to make sure wrongs were righted. His passing is a great loss, and my deepest condolences and sympathy go to his family, friends and colleagues.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
I was lucky enough to have met Frank when i worked with his brother Robert. We spent an afternoon sailing and it was when talking i discovered how dedicated and passionate Frank was about fighting for the rights of workers. Frank was a giant of a man not only only in stature but in also in his heart. He will be greatly missed by not only his family and friends but by the families he represented. May he rest in peace.
Gordon Gill
I am extremely sorry to hear about Frank, he done so much for my mother and our family when we knew him, if you could pass on our deepest sympathy to Frank and his family from the Rigley Family and they can be rest assured that his legacy will continue through families like ours.
Gary Rigley
I met Frank in 1987 as a young, foolish and over-zealous young solicitor working at British Rail. Frank was representing ASLEF. We first met at a Commission for documents when I, with the churlishness of youth, declined to shake his hand, which he as the perfect gentleman he was had offered to me. I grew up quickly enough however to come to respect and trust him as a good lawyer and a kind man. I remember he helped me understand the incomprehensible compensation recovery regulations. Frank was at the core of the practice of Scots Law and his loss is immeasurable. There are no more like him. I am grateful that the family are making it possible for the wider legal community that so respected him to attend and pay our respects.
Joe Bryce
I worked as Frank's Secretary in the late 1980's and regardless of how successful he became in his career, his priority in life was Fiona, his lovely wife, and children. I had never seen a happier man the day after his first child was born!!!! RIP Frank - "irreplaceable"
Sally Hunter
I hadn't spoken to frank since he dealt with a complicated case and harrowing time for me with professionalism , compassion and sincerity. I had hoped to catch up with him for his contribution to an ongoing project my condolences to his family, work colleagues and many friends.
Kevin McMonagle
I appreciate, as do my colleagues at Corries Solicitors, Frank's great achievements, particularly in the sphere of industrial disease litigation. Our sincere condolences to his wife and family at this time.
Gareth Ware
Very sad news.Yet another taken far too young. I worked with Frank in Thompsons for about three months in 1993 while between jobs and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Frank will be sorely missed. My thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues.
Jim Bauld, TC Young
I am very sorry to learn of Frank Maguire’s death. His inspirational style and tireless work in the cause of access to justice and fair compensation was an example to all those who have worked with him or benefited from his professional skill. His work on the Damages (Scotland) (Asbestos-related conditions) Act 2009 showed that the law can be changed, often against the odds. He was a valued member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and he will be missed.
Deborah Evans
I was saddened to hear of Frank Maguire’s untimely death. My sympathies and condolences go to Thompsons and Frank’s family. He was a good man and a lawyer who did a lot of good for many people and we are all diminished by his death but his family grieve most of all. It is a sad but I fear true question: why is it that it is always people who have done a lot of good and had it in them to do so much more, who are so cruelly taken?
David Nicol, Allan McDougall
I was very sad to hear the news about Frank. A big man in every way, and not often that the death of a lawyer attracts such tributes from so many different people.
John Scott QC
To My Wonderful Nephew, The earth was blessed when you entered the world. Your contribution to mankind is immeasurable. Most important was your love of wife, children, siblings, Mother and Father. You will never be forgotten by the lives of those you've touched.
Uncle Tom and Arlene touched.
I'm so sorry to hear about Frank. That's very sad news. He will be missed a lot.
Debbie Milne, HBJ Gateley
Although I had never met Frank personally, but was aware of his incredible work from friends like Laurie Kazan Allen of the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat. Madhumitta Dutta, India.
I am really sorry to hear your news. My thoughts, and the thoughts of all here at HBM Sayers, are with Frank's family, colleagues and friends at this sad time. David Taylor
Terribly sad news. Frank achieved a great deal during a life cut tragically short.
Robert Vaughan, R S Vaughan & Co
I was sad to hear about Frank's death. I didn't know him personally but more by reputation and standing in the profession. It has lost one of its most devoted members.
David Armstrong, Brodies
I am so very sorry to hear the sad news. I genuinely liked Frank. Frank was my first senior in a fatal case I was pursuing when at Ketchen & Stevens. The profession is a poorer one for his loss.
Tony Jones, BTO
So sad to hear of Frank's passing. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace Frank xx
Anne Marie Thomas
Rest in peace Frank you will be sadly missed. We will not forget you. You were an inspiration to all of us. It was a pleasure to have known you. X
Michelle Paxton
Frank was a tremendous champion of the interests of union members, not only in case work, but in assisting Amicus with political work in Scotland while I was Director of Legal Services at the union. A real pleasure to work with too.
Georgina Hirsch
I would just like to say how sorry I am to hear of the passing of Frank Maguire. Although I only met him a couple of times I know how much work he put in for the Hepatitis C sufferers.
John Davidson, Member of the Tayside Group of the Haemophilia Society.
My heart goes out to Frank's family who must at this time be grieving for their great loss. I knew Frank through the work he did for all members who were suffering from asbestosis. He was a leading light in the fight to get compensation for all his members. Men like Frank are a rare breed and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
David Falconer MBE Ex President GMB Scotland
So very, very sad to hear of Frank's passing. His legacy will live on in all he achieved to protect the rights and lives of workers and their families. It was a privilege to have known Frank.
Catherine Sutherland.
Frank Maguire will always be remembered for his tenacious pursuit of justice for workers and their families who suffered from the consequences of corporate greed.He was a giant in stature, intellect and compassion with a rapier like wit sadly missed.
Jimmy Farrelly
I was a Claims Inspector with Iron Trades Insurance and visited Thompsons on many occasions to discuss cases.Although we represented different Clients I had the utmost respect for Mr Maguire and this was shared at all levels of the Industry.
Hamish Gourley.
He was a big character not only in the legal world but set a standard for working with the Scottish Parliament that no other law firm comes close to. I met Frank on several occasions and have the utmost respect for him. I am also very grateful to Thompsons as my daughter did her legal traineeship with you. Thompsons gave her the opportunity and confidence. You may note that Frank’s death was the first item on the Tory group agenda in the Parliament last night with Annabel Goldie telling us that she would attend on behalf of the group. Annabel spoke of her respect for Frank. I regret his passing and hope that Thompsons will continue the good work with the Parliament that Frank started. My door is always open. With very best wishes and fondest memories.
Mary Scanlon MSP
Frank was a great giant of a guy and a great lawyer. He was liked by all that knew him.
Patrick Andrews
A great man and a great loss to Scotland. "As for me, I shall behold Thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness" Ps. 17:15 Let perpetual light shine upon him; May he rest in peace.
Black Triangle Anti-Defamation Campaign In Defence of Disability Rights
Deepest sympathy to family and friends of Frank Maguire His contribution to the Contaminated blood campaign is much appreciated and will be remembered.
Nicholas Sainsbury
It is always sad when a campaigner such as Frank is lost to the labour movement but the legacy that he leaves behind, the many victims and their families who have benefitted over the years through his work on asbestos and other work injuries, will ensure his lasting memory.
Hugh Lanning Deputy General Secretary, Mark Serwotka, Janice Goodrich, PCS
I was saddened to hear of the untimely and early death of Frank. Others have said everything about how intelligent and committed his work was for others but I would like to add that he was also one of the most affable and entertaining solicitors that I was ever instructed by, knowledgeable and engaging in conversation on a wide range of subjects, and just generaaly good company. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with him, especially on issues where we shared common beliefs (railway safety and compensation for victimsd of asbestos induced illness). He will be missed.
His Honour Judge Allan Gore QC
Mr Maguire has made a great improvement to my wife and i lives and we are and will always be indebted to him and his staff what what they have done for us.RIP Mr Maguire. John & Helen Rice.
Radiographers and Darkroom Technicians affected by "Darkroom Disease" are extremenly grateful to Frank for achieving outcomes against all the established views by the medical profession and other legal minds that this disease did not exist! Not only did he gain substantial damages for those affected, the result of this was to improve working condiditions for those still able to work, reduced the MEL'S for Glutaraldehyde and indeed hastened the introduction of digital systems so that chemicals used in Radiography in hospitals could be abandoned. We are eternally grateful for his help and support.Sincere sympathy to Franks family, friends and colleagues.
Marlene Barrie (previously MSF/AMICUS (NOW UNITE) Senior Representative South Glasgow Hospitals)