IN his two decades working for Unison in Edinburgh, John Mulgrew – known affectionately as Jocky – rose to a position of lead negotiator and headed up some of the union's most difficult and contentious disputes.

As the branch's service conditions co-ordinator, he had been lead negotiator and secretary of the staff side of all the non-teaching trade unions since the Unison City of Edinburgh branch was formed in 1996.

As a National Association of Local Government Offices (NALGO) Lothian Region Branch shop steward in the old assessors' department, Jocky came to the fore during the 1989 pay strike.

Soon after – and at a time of crisis in the branch – Jocky stepped forward into the hot seat as service conditions officer, leading negotiations and representation for the 6600-strong branch.

It was a step into a very pressurised role at a very difficult time when the branch had almost 10,000 members.

He had to head up some of the most difficult and unpopular negotiations the branch ever had to face when the new Edinburgh City Council was formed.

In the tensions and debates those negotiations brought, in the equal-pay fight and in the run up to single-status agreements, without fail Jocky always remained calm and reasoned.

He was responsible for dozens of negotiated agreements that brought many benefits and rights for the workforce.

Through his legendary filing systems, he brought order from chaos – even if sometimes it seemed he was the only one who could understand the system.

He was a trade unionist who worked from a belief in fairness and equality and a willingness and desire to help people.

That was also reflected in his life outwith the union.

He was born on October 11, 1957 in Wellingborough, Northants, the fourth eldest in a family of nine.

Soon after, his family returned to his father's birthplace in Edinburgh where he attended Drumbrae Primary and Broughton High.

Though he was characterised by his work he was not defined by it and had many guises.

He loved music and books, he was a Hearts fan without boundaries, and he enjoyed cycling and maintaining his house in Gorgie.

His musical tastes were eclectic – anything (or nearly anything) went.

He loved to attend concerts and music festivals, with his wide circle of friends and family, and his ambition to attend T in the Park remained to the end. He was also a keen golfer.

Jocky, who was single and had no children, had been battling cancer throughout the year and died on August 4.

His funeral took place on Tuesday.

Loved ones say the way he managed his illness reflected much about the way he conducted his life as a whole.

Jocky was uncomplaining, concerned more for the welfare of his fellow patients than himself. His family and friends gained strength from his strength. His optimism and his sense of responsibility to others continued to the end.