Monday, July 9, 2018

Obituary: Jimmy Rushton (1990)

Obituary from the July 1990 issue of the Socialist Standard

We regret to announce the death ot Comrade Jimmy Rushton of Eccles Branch. Jimmy incurred serious head injuries after falling from a motorbike while holidaying in Rhodes, Greece. He was flown to Athens to receive more sophisticated medical attention, however he sadly passed away on the morning of 2 June. 1990.

Jimmy joined Eccles branch in 1984 where he served as treasurer and was a very active and enthusiastic member. In May he stood as a candidate for the Socialist Party in a local election, polling 101 votes in his home ward of Winton, Manchester.

Often generous to a fault, he will be fondly remembered for his kindness and selflessness. Jimmy was very outspoken in his espousing of the reality of the class struggle — his favourite saying being "never let the bastards grind you down". Jimmy will be especially remembered for the tuition he gave to younger members of the party who became great friends of his due to his affable and easy going character.

He earned the nickname "Gentleman Jimmy" from his work-mates at Barton Swing Bridge on the Manchester Ship Canal in Eccles. where he worked for over twenty years. Jimmy looked after other people but was often negligent in taking care of himself. He claimed he lived for nothing else but socialism and the establishment of a classless, moneyless society.

Our deepest sympathies go out to his mother and father, close relatives and all others who knew and were close to Jimmy.

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