Brian Lovell

WOLLONGONG — On June 8, Brian Lovell died at his home in Dapto following a short fight with cancer. The attendance at his funeral by people from all over Australia reflected the respect in which he was held by those who knew him.

Brian was a much-loved member of the socialist community in Wollongong. Coming from a Trotskyist background in his native England, Brian emigrated to Australia with his family in the early 1970s. He joined the Socialist Workers Party in 1980. He was an active member of the Wollongong Nuclear Disarmament Party branch during its existence and a committed Peace activist during his life.

Brian was a friend and solidarity activist to the Central and South American community in Wollongong through his participation in CISLAC and his presidency of Chile Solidarity, and a valued workmate at BHP Steelworks.

His quiet denunciation of racism, inequality and the injustices of the capitalist system continued throughout his life. Brian was a sensitive family man who provided support and comradeship to his friends and the community, as well as being an active participant in working-class struggle until his final illness.

During his last illness Brian chose his own epitaph, from Shakespeare:
"His life was gentle, and the elements, so mixed in him,
That nature might stand up, and say to all the world,
This is a man."

We value Brian's contribution to the ongoing struggle for socialist democracy and mourn his passing.
... Margaret Perrott

From GLW issue 237