Last Wednesday, STUC was saddened to announce the loss of Bill Speirs, former General Secretary, who worked at the STUC from 1979 until 2006. Bill had been fighting a long-standing battle with illness and it is a tragedy that both his career and his life were cut short through ill-health. Bill’s time at the STUC were marked by momentous events such as the Miner’s Strike, the anti-poll tax campaign and the campaign for a Scottish Parliament. The causes and campaigns for justice which he championed are too many to name. Bill’s was a life committed to the cause of working people and to the creation of a better society in Scotland, Britain and across the world. His loss will be felt throughout Scotland and far beyond. Members of the STUC’s staff, many of whom worked with Bill throughout his time at the STUC, have been deeply affected by this sad news and the thoughts of all are with Bill’s family at this time. Tribute to Bill Speirs on STV
Obituaries and tributes The Morning Star The Scotsman The Independent The Guardian The Herald The Scotsman
FUNERAL DETAILS
Thursday 1 October 2009
Funeral service: 1pm at Renfrew Town Hall, Renfrew Cross, Renfrew, Renfrewshire PA4 8PF
Internment: Arkleston Cemetery, Renfrew, Arkleston Rd, Renfrew, Renfrewshire PA4 0RA
Following the funeral, there will be refreshments provided at the Prince of Wales Hall, Queen Street, Renfrew.
Family flowers only, but if people wish to make a donation in Bill's memory, any of the following causes were dear to his heart:
Community H.E.A.R.T. 6th Floor, Sunlight House, Quay Street, Manchester M3 3JZ (Health Education And Reconstruction Training for Southern Africa is a Registered Charity No. 1052817)
Scottish Friends of Palestine, c/o Hugh Humphries, 31 Tinto Road, Glasgow, G43 2AL
War on Want, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, LONDON EC2A 4LT
Connolly Association
The day will be a celebration of Bill's life, so the family are asking people not to go to any trouble to wear black or dress in a sombre fashion.