Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/695/13223
From The Socialist newspaper, 23 November 2011
Obituary - Geoff Atkins
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of comrade Geoff Atkins following a long struggle with cancer. Geoff was an inspiration to workers and the trade unions as a class fighter and an advocate of the Marxist ideas supported by the Socialist and its predecessor Militant.
Geoff and others were pioneers in building support for Militant through the 1960s. Such determined efforts laid the foundations for Militant's rapid growth in the 80s.
Geoff was one of a group of young socialists who joined Militant in Brighton from the Young Communist League in the 60s. His theoretical clarity and the conviction to argue for his ideas made him a feared opponent of the right wing on Southampton Labour Party's general committee as support grew for Militant, with supporters elected to the city council in the 80s.
Very active during the miners' strike and then in the Anti-Poll Tax campaign, he was always enthusiastic and set a confident example for the new generation to follow. Aside from his political fervour, parties at Geoff and Sue's were always a night to remember and it was in this spirit that he and Sue approached the last few years, continuing to live life to the full.
Geoff continued to follow political events closely. In February he attended Southampton's anti-cuts demonstration, saying how much more he wanted to do. In May he nominated his local TUSC candidate for the Southampton elections. Geoff was greatly respected and will be much missed by comrades, friends and family. Our best wishes and thoughts go to Sue, Alan, David and family.
Nick Chaffey
Why not click here to join the Socialist Party, or click here to donate to the Socialist Party.
In The Socialist 23 November 2011:
Pensions' strike, N30
Enough is enough! Make N30 the start of a fight to stop all cuts
Socialist Party feature
Capitalism is crisis - there is an alternative - fight for socialism!
Socialist Party news and analysis
Con-Dems worsen the housing crisis
Massive job cuts undermining NHS
Millions unemployed - workers and students must unite and fight!
The Socialist - Readers' comments
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Jarrow marchers put forward an alternative
No answers from politicians on Newsnight
Support the anti-cuts election challenge
State intimidation of young protesters
Tories and Labour fail to give 'Any Answers'
Women: sick of sexism, discrimination and cuts?
Mansfield - build houses, create jobs
Pensions protest in Maude's constituency
International socialist news and analysis
Why Europe's capitalist leaders cannot save the floundering eurozone project
Ruling PSOE battered in Spanish general election
Syria: Eight months of mass protests met with bloody brutality
Egyptian masses fight for real change
Socialist Party workplace news
Greece and Italy get unelected technocrats - Southampton gets chief executives!
Construction workers fight pay cuts
Obituary
Home | The Socialist 23 November 2011 | Join the Socialist Party
Join us today!
Printable version
email to friend
