Obituary: Suzanne Coombes

Bristol Socialist Party members were stunned by the untimely death of our comrade Suzanne Coombes on 10 November.

Known to us as Ears, she was an enthusiastic Socialist Party member who joined in 2003, along with her sister Bernie, during a local election campaign. Her thirst for ideas and discussion never diminished.

Although health issues prevented Ears from being as active as she would have liked, she passionately supported our election campaigns, helping out with leafleting and particularly supporting her partner, Wayne, as a Bristol TUSC candidate in the May 2011 local elections.

One of her last acts was to record a postal vote for TUSC’s Tom Baldwin in the Bristol mayoral election shortly before she died.

Ears was also a talented letter writer – in particular around attacks on benefits and disability rights, and contributed articles to the Socialist on these issues.

It was with great pride that she saw her writing in print, particularly in our own paper.

She also supported PCS union activities as both Wayne and Bernie are PCS activists. She always made a special effort to come down to our picket lines and support us – often providing important refreshments.

Ears was so full of life when battling with her health, no more so than when celebrating her marriage to Wayne and her 40th birthday earlier this year.

To be taken from us so suddenly and so early is a huge loss to Wayne and Bernie, and to all those whose lives were touched by her. Her loyalty and contribution to the Party remained to the end.

Mark Baker, PCS executive member