This page recognises all those union officials who dedicated their lives to our movement and have since passed away.
2023
Paul Mills
It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of Paul Mills, former Community NEC member. Dean Cox, Community President, said:
Paul was a bright light of the trade union movement and shaped Community as it is known today. When unions from across the UK came together in the early 2000’s to talk about joining forces to become Community as we know it, Paul sat on the national governing body of one of those unions, the Power Loom, Carpet Weavers’ and Textile workers’ union. In that role, he worked with colleagues to create a shared vision of a union that would represent workers’ across sectors, united by a shared vision – a better world of work for everyone.
He will be dearly missed by all that knew him.
Outside of his role in the formation of Community, Paul was a senior Rep at Brintons, a carpet manufacturer in the Midlands. He was a shearer by trade but those that worked with Paul say his first priority was always to his members.
Paul also served as Union President for a number of years. During which time, he stood true to his values and dedicated countless hours to support our members and grow our union.
2022
Tommy Brennan
Scottish Regional Secretary, Steve Farrell, who knew Tommy, said:
“Tommy was a great man and a great friend to many in our region. He was famous amongst trade unionists in Scotland and we were lucky to have him as our member. We all have fond memories of the stories Tommy regaled us with and he will be sadly missed.”
Bernard Rooney
Roy Rickhuss, said:
“Through his many years working at Community and long after his retirement, Bernard was the font of all knowledge about our union’s proud history.
Our thoughts are with Bernard’s family at this time. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and worked with him.”
Richard Knox
Roy Rickhuss, shared his thoughts:
“It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the passing of our retired Full-Time Officer and dear friend Richard (Dick) Knox.
Dick retired in 2009 and was a member of ISTC and Community for over 64 years.
Our thoughts are with Dick’s family at this difficult time. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and worked with him.”
Clive Royston
Clive Royston, a proud steelworker and longstanding member of Community’s National Executive Council, passed away on the 19th of December, having bravely battled against cancer.
Clive started work at the Stocksbridge steelworks, now owned by Liberty Steel, back in 1978, following in the footsteps of his Grandad. Clive’s son now works at Stocksbridge, so the family tradition continues, and no one could be prouder of their industry and its heritage than was Clive.
Stocksbridge makes high quality steels for the aerospace, energy and defence sectors, but over the last two years it’s faced an uncertain outlook. Clive was at the forefront of our campaign to secure the future of Stockbridge, and the many hundreds of jobs that depend on the steelworks, and right to the end he fought tirelessly for his members and his community.
Clive was elected as Works Representative of Liberty Stocksbridge 03 in March 2010 before becoming Branch Secretary in March 2011. Clive was first elected to the union’s National Executive Council in August 2016, and since 2016 he was also Chair of the Joint Negotiating Committee for Speciality Steels & Bright Bar.
On the 6th of December Community’s General Secretary, Roy Rickhuss CBE, presented Clive with a ‘Steel Man’, the highest award the union can bestow, in recognition of his “outstanding service to Community, the steel industry and Stocksbridge”.
Everyone at Community is extremely proud of Clive, who was a true stalwart of our union for so many years. The courage he showed in continuing to lead his members with such distinction, at the same time as fighting his terrible illness, was truly remarkable.
Clive was a one-off, and we will miss him. He is survived by his wife Jan, 9 children and 13 grandchildren.
2021
Joe Mann MBE
Roy Rickhuss CBE, said of Joe’s passing:
“On behalf of the entirety of Community I want to express my condolences to Diane, Joe’s daughters and everyone affected by his passing.
Joe was a shining light in the trade union movement and a stalwart of progressive trade unionism. Today we celebrate Joe’s life and his incredible legacy. His dedication and fortitude led to changes that will impact every worker in the UK for generations. His values remain a central part of Community and will shape our union for long into the future.”
© Community Trade Union 2024