Campaign news

LRC pays tribute to life of Andy Viner

20th June 2011

LRC National Committee member Andy Viner has died following injuries sustained in a car crash. The LRC wishes to pay tribute to Andy, who was an elected official of the ASLEF union and a hard-working trade unionist and socialist. We offer our condolences to his family and to all those who knew Andy as a friend and a comrade. Andy’s funeral will take place on Friday 1 July in Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire. (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more details

John McDonnell MP, LRC Chair, said:

“It was deeply shocking to hear this tragic news. Andy was a firm socialist and dedicated, hard working trade unionist. He served his trade union, the LRC and our movement with absolute commitment.

“He will be greatly missed but always remembered. I send my deepest sympathy to his family and all his friends.”

Nick Toms, LRC National Committee member, said:

“I am very sad indeed to hear about Andy. I have known him since the mid 80s when we both worked for a well known socialist paper. He remained a good friend and comrade.

“When I was a visiting lecturer at the University of Westminster he gave regular guest talks on trade unions and the law.

“He was a solid guy - principled loyal and steadfast. He was nobody’s fool and had sound judgment. He was a committed socialist and marxist to the end. It is tragic for his two children who he brought up alone when his partner died some years ago. I will miss him.”

Pete Firmin, LRC joint secretary, said:

“I only knew Andy for the last couple of years through the LRC, but he was one of those many people who form the bedrock of our movement who was always there, always reliable, without a fuss. You knew when he contributed that he had given it serious thought.
“He will be sorely missed.”

Steve Brown, LRC National Committee member, said:

“I knew Andy very briefly, though heard more about him than I knew.  A well respected and dedicated comrade, this is a big big loss for our movement.  My thoughts are with his family.  He will be missed.”

Andrew Fisher, LRC joint secretary, said:

“Andy was a good socialist and trade unionist who I know many people valued as an honest and comradely voice on the LRC National Committee. He spoke thoughtfully and with clarity, and was respected by everyone for his integrity and warmth.”