A friend and comrade Bob (Robert) Hart, affectionately known as “Bolshi Bob”, passed away recently, having just turned 80.
Bob’s life principles were based on solidarity, opposition to oppression and exploitation, and support for working-class struggles.
Bob was actively involved in the anti-Vietnam War movement. Witnessing the horrendous war against Vietnam led him to oppose the capitalist system that caused wars like the US onslaught on the Vietnamese people.
He joined the Socialist Workers Party in the early 1970s and, in 2019, the Socialist Alliance.
Bob worked in the Commonwealth Employment Service and was a life-long unionist. He was active in the Administrative and Clerical Officers Association, which covered public servants at the time and which later merged into the Commonwealth Public Service Union.
Bob was very active until the end, attending protests, political meetings and helping promote the issues. He took part in the Unite Against Racism rally in Broadmeadows on July 5.
He was a big supporter of the movement for justice in Palestine and against the genocide in Gaza. Much earlier Bob had studied in Italy where he was introduced to the Palestinian struggle.
Bob was a film buff with a big collection of movies. He would get an annual pass to the Melbourne International Film Festival.
Above all, Bob was motivated by his love for humanity and hatred for capitalism that operates on the basis of destroying humanity.
Bob, who was often seen riding his electric bike around, will be deeply missed.
Rest in peace Bob.