In Remembrance

It was with great sadness that we learned Debbie McKenzie, Branch Secretary of Reading Borough UNISON, passed away on Sunday 7th November. Our deepest sympathies are with Debbie’s family, friends, and colleagues at this most difficult time.

Debbie had been involved with UNISON, and before that NALGO, for many years as a member and workplace representative. In recent times Debbie was elected first as assistant secretary and then as branch secretary of Reading Borough UNISON. Throughout she worked tirelessly and selflessly for the benefit of all our members.

A funeral service will be held at 9.30am on Wednesday 17th November at English Martyrs Church on Liebenrood Road (in West Reading near Prospect Park.) All Debbie’s friends and colleagues are welcome to attend and are asked to please wear at least one brightly coloured item of clothing.

There will be a Memory Book in the UNISON office on level 14 of the Civic Centre from Monday 15th November for two weeks. If you would like to sign, or add a personal message or recollection, please come up to the office at any stage during the fortnight between 9am and 4pm.

Memories and tributes have already been flooding into the branch office, all of which will be passed on to Debbie’s family, and in the coming days our executive committee will be discussing an appropriate way to properly commemorate the vast contribution Debbie made to this branch during the past decade.

In the meantime, UNISON has started a collection for a donation to be made to charity Cancer Research UK in Debbie’s name. If you would like to contribute please speak to your UNISON workplace representative or contact the branch office. 

Debbie’s fierce determination to protect the rights of members, both individually and collectively, showcased the very best of the trade union movement. Her dedication, integrity, and constructive and positive approach won the respect not only of UNISON members, but of RBC managers, her colleagues, and fellow trade unionists.

Lifelong learning was something Debbie believed in passionately and one of her proudest achievements was negotiating a workplace learning agreement between Reading Borough Council and its recognised trades unions.

Debbie was an inspiration to those lucky enough to have worked with her. Her energy and enthusiasm touched us all and she will be greatly missed.