STEVE SINNOTT

1951-2008

Your Tributes

I was so sorry to hear of Steve's death. I have heard him speak at your conference on several occasions and believe he will be a sad loss to us all. As a fellow trade unionist from an island where we all work closely together, please accept my sincere condolences from all of my colleagues in the NASUWT Guernsey. Caroline Bowker - Guernsey NASUWT

I knew Steve as a young teacher in Liverpool about 20 odd years ago. I knew him as a young vibrant trade unionist and party comrade just starting out as a teacher. He was, as it said in the Guardian obituary, a smashing fellah. My condolences to his wife Mary and the kids. Bob blocksidge - Isle of Wight

I was so terribly saddened to hear of Steve's sudden death. I have been a teacher for 21 years and one of the first NUT meetings I attended in Blackburn, Steve was the speaker - and very good he was too!! Whilst he has been secretary I actually feel that we, as teachers, have had a voice - I only hope his replacement can go part way to filling his shoes. A sad day. Joanne Coxhead - Blackburn with Darwen

Steve Sinnot was a tremendous leader of the NUT. He will be a terrible loss to his family, the union and education. As a NUT member for over forty years, Steve stands out for me as a secretary who was able to unite the various factions within the union and a man who stood by sound educational principles. Under his leadership, the NUT did not accept that "anyone could teach" and neither would he accept the de-valuation of this important profession". Many thanks and God bless Steve. John Garnsey, ex-secretary Wigan Division.

The sorrow of Steve's untimely death is unbearable for all whose path he crossed. I worked closely with him for over 12 years and was inspired daily by his humanity and care for others. The world of education has lost a dedicated and passionate campaigner, and we have all lost a much beloved friend. My husband Jan and I valued his deep friendship and feel bereft at the loss. Our heartfelt condolences to Mary, Stephen, Kate and the rest of the Sinnott family. Steve was a mentor to me and I will be eternally grateful for the role that he played in my life - introducing me to the vital importance of international solidarity and the need to stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in the world. We pledge to continue to take your dreams forward, Steve. Samidha Garg - NUT HQ

Steve’s death is a tragic loss to the trade union movement. Steve was a superb and passionate advocate for his members, for education, for internationalism and for wider trade union principles. He was a genuinely warm person and someone it was always a pleasure to listen to and be with. I shall miss him greatly. Deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and friends. Judy McKnight - General Secretary, Napo

Steve was one of the most humane and caring person I have met. His international work must never be forgotten. It has been a pleasure to work over the years with such a "smashing" man, he will be sadly missed by so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary, his children and grandchildren. Peter Bishop - Wirral

At the last NUT conference in Manchester and was very impressed by the way Steve Sinnott put the NUT's case on the pay issue in a persuasive and reasonable way. He will be a great loss, and a very difficult man to replace. Matthew Fazey - Cheshire

I am deeply shocked by the untimely death of one of the great friend of Ethiopia who really made a difference in the life of Ethiopian Teacher Association. We need more people like you who endeavour to help the oppressed people where ever they are. Steve you are an example of tireless dedication for justice and development. May God give the strength to his family to withstand this time of sorrow. E Tilahun(Ethiopian) - UK

Steve came to Herefordshire when he was President at the time when the governors of my school were discussing Opting Out. He spent some time with the then head and , in his own inimitable way, pointed out the error of their ways. The best memorial we could gove Steve is to continue to be a united union - caring and campaigning for education and all involved in it. Obviously our thoughts are with Mary and her family - we owe them a debt of gratitude for their support for Steve throughout the years. We will miss him and we shouldn't forget him. Elspeth Sims - Hertfordshire

Steve's death is a tragic loss to the union. He worked hard to make the NUT strong and united, with success. He was a great guy, always having time for everyone around him. He will be missed by so many people. We must strive to continue his legacy within the National Union. Our thoughts are with Mary and family at this very sad time. Our hope is that they will gain strength from knowing we are all affected by Steve's departure and are sharing their sadness too. Rosemary Clarke - Andover and District, Hampshire

All the NUT members from Rosh Pinah School are deeply upset by this very sad news. We were fortunate enough to meet Steve in person a few years ago when he visited our school. We felt inspired by his words and have all stayed in this union because of him. We wish his family members comfort at this very difficult time. Rosh Pinah Primary School - Barnet

On behalf of all members of Accord, I would like to express sorrow at the tragic loss of Steve. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this terribly sad time. He was a brilliant trade union leader; intelligent, articulate, compassionate and determined. The world is poorer without him. Ged Nichols - Accord

I never met Steve, but had a great deal of respect for the work he did on our behalf and for his thoughtful leadership. Sincere condolences to family and friends, a great loss to the union movement. Stephen Rogers - Birmingham

I was so proud at NUT Conference when Steve in his closing speech referred to my fellow teacher Elly Barnes as a creative and committed NUT member, for her work on LGBT. At a packed union meeting last week, called to organise arrangements for the 24th April, we also agree we would write as a union group, thanking Steve for his comments, and inviting him to visit us. I am sad we will now never be able to do this. More generally, Steve did so much to bring people together, and to use and develop the talents of members from across all parts of the union. We can be proud that during his time as General Secretary we have contributed so much to campaigning for a better education system, and for a better world. We will march in his memory on 24th April. Jane Bassett - Hackney

My 2007 TUC Congress badge referred to unions making a difference; Steve was someone who genuinely did. It was a pleasure to know such a decent man with an instinctive humanity and who was an effective fighter for all the right things. This very sad news is a terrible loss to us all and my thoughts are with those close to him. Alison Shepherd - TUC President 2006-7

It was a joy and an honour to serve with Steve on the TUC General Council. His warmth and his considered, incisive contributions will be sorely missed. Deepest condolences to his family, friends and NUT colleagues. Lesley Mercer Director of Employment Relations Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Steve was a remarkable person: on a personal level his warmth and sincerity would immediately put you at ease; on the public stage his words and integrity could both inspire and bring tears to your eyes. A sad loss to all who knew him. Viv Coy - Sunderland

I remember Steve saying he wanted to finish his career back at the chalkboard. This was what I thought of when I heard the shattering news of his death. He has not gone back into the classroom, but has lost his life before he had this opportunity. Steve came down to Romney Marsh to visit us, just before his election as General Secretary, and although our turnout was small, he impressed all members who came to see him. He was realistic, down to earth and committed to providing a union which would support teachers who want to offer the best education service possible. A genuine leader. Jenny Doherty - Kent

I am very sad at this tragic news. I had the pleasure of meeting Steve only last Thursday when he popped to our IWB course run by the NUT in Camden. He was very nice, genuine and interested to know what we were doing and if the training was beneficial. We all laughed and joked and I was very exicted to have met him; so much so that I phoned my bofriend, parent in Manchester and texted several of my colleagues! Steve's tragic loss leaves a huge dent in the teaching profession. The strike on the 24th means more to me now than it did before. Clair Tierney - Islington

Steve Sinnott's commitment to teachers and the education of all our children shone out and his family can be proud of his achievements. Linda Murphy - Shropshire

I, and many others here in West Lancashire, are deeply saddened and of course shocked by the news of Steve's death. During reminiscences with local members the word that keeps recurring is 'inspirational' quite simply that's what Steve was to us. We have many fond memories of him in our Association. He really cared about children and their life chances. His death will be a tragic loss to the profession and of course to Mary and his family. Steve was one of us. May he rest in peace. Jenni Harker - West Lancashire

I am the local secretary of the NASUWT. I am always invited as a fraternal delegate to the strawberry tea. Steve spoke last year and I was privileged to hear him speak with candour, comedy and understanding. I am so sorry for your loss. He had the making of an outstanding General Secretary. Allison Morgan - Sutton

I met Steve a few times; he came to my school to speak to members after school one night and years later he came to the Rossendale Association as part of his election campaign for General Secretary and remembered me - about 15 years later! He always struck me as genuine and passionate. He was a dedicated teacher and trade unionist, believing in improving the lives of pupils as well as teachers.I remember asking him about the future of the profession, after the remodelling actions of the government and he talked about the need for us to re-examine the definition of a teacher and have more pride in the unique work of the profession. His international work, especially in Africa, was another part of life and he alerted us to the way in which international organisations were c! reating almost "para-teachers" like paramedics, because of the shortage of qualified teachers. The obituaries in the broadsheets today have filled me in about his happy and secure family life and it is those closest to Steve that we must be feeling for now. T Thanks Steve for so many things. Richard Lysons - Lancashire

he sudden death of Steve is a tragic loss to the NUT. It is untimely as he will not be around to complete the important vision for the NUT he had started. I got to know Steve when he was first elected as the NUT Deputy General Secreatry and over the years gained respect for him as a revolutionary, a comrade and friend. He was committed to, and supportive of, struggles of working people throughout the world and responsible for directing the NUT, as its General Secretary, to support the campaign 'Send My Friend To School' to give access to primary education for all children throughout the world. His contribution reminds me of the novel 'How The Steel Was Tempered' by Nikolai Ostrovesky; I read in my youth. One can say to Steve: You have demonstrated that man's dearest possession is life. You have lived it knowing it is given to you but once. You have no torturing regrets of a life without purpose, no shame of a trivial and cowardly past. You have so lived that in dying all your life and all your strength was given to the finest cause in the entire world - the Liberation of Mankind. I can only mourn your death by celebrating your life and in so doing pledge to do what I can to help deliver your vision. Peter Smith, NTA Divisional Secretary

All I can say is he cared. For teachers and children. He will be missed. Jennie Harper - Croydon

A huge loss to education, the National Union of Teachers and tradeunionism. Steve, you will be greatly missed and I will remember you as a man I both admired and respected. I hope your family can find some comfort in the knowledge that you stood up for what was right and good during your lifetime and that your work will be taken forward and continued in your memory. Fiona Maxwell - St Hellens

A truly inspirational union leader. He will be sorely missed by all teaching unions and also all members of the NUT. Mr David Mark Davies - Swansea

I remember meeting Steve lots of times when I was at union meetings with my mum and dad. One of my favourite memories of him was when he played golf with me using croquette mallets in Bill Greenshields' garden in France. During this game he decided to call me "Tiger" and the nickname has stuck. I will always think of him when I hear it. He was also there when I got my certificate from the NUT for boycotting my SATs in Year 6. He was a good friend and I will miss him a lot. Please give love from me and my brothers, Arthur and Frank, and sister Elisabeth, to Mary and all Steve's family. Edward Jones - Lancashire

Will miss you Steve, I respected you from the very first day I was introduced to you, and always struggled to call you Steve instead of Mr Sinnott. Anon

So sad to hear the news of steves death thinking of his family in my prayers today and always lovely man. Anne - Warwickshire

I saw Steve only once at the NUT conference in Harrogate during Easter 2006, but I found his enthusiasm for the NUT and it's campaigns infectious. I listened to his speech with great interest and felt even more determined to support the union's work as a school representative. Sorry to lose you Steve. You will be greatly missed! Ajay Gandhi - Bedfordshire

Thanks for the memories Steve. There have been many. My thoughts are with Your wife Mary and your family at this time. I remember your visit to my school in Rossendale, I was so proud to have met you, you always had time for the members. You will be sadly missed. Nick Subasic - Rossendale Lancashire

My family and I extend our deepest condolences to Steve's family. He was a fine man. His family should be very proud of what he achieved. Individually and through my division I will continue to fight for what Steve fought all his life for. Roy Bowser - Barnsley

I feel privileged to have been a Conference delegate during Steve's time as General Secretary. He spoke for us all - his voice will be greatly missed. Richard Raftery - Leeds

Steve, To all those members and representatives that you have inspired, we will greatly miss such a great leader, and a great example of solidarity among us teachers. Sadly missed. Sean Powell - Devon

May I offer my sincere condolences to Steve's family at this time and hope they may find some comfort from the tributes being paid to him. Steve recently attended our local reps meeting where he spoke with such passion and authority he was an inspiration to all. His personal warmth was a shining example of a 'great guy'. Steve's support for members at Holy Spirit was commendable and will remain a legacy. Above all, I feel both honoured and privileged to have met him. He will not be forgotten. Shirley McLoughlin President, St. Helens Teachers' Association.

Steve championed the cause for Social Justice and Equality in teaching in England. Overseas Trained Teachers have benefitted from this drive and passion. Thanks Steve, for looking out for us and for caring. Paul Miller - Enfield

I only met Steve once, at the NUT Annual Conference this year, in Manchester. I was introduced to him by a mutual friend. He was very plesant and friendly, and seemed genuinely interested in talking to a new teacher who was at the beginning of a career in the profession. I also met his wife, who was lovely, and my condolences go to his whole family. Steve was greatly respected and much admired. He has fought hard for teachers and will be sorely missed. Catherine Tookey - Islington

The NUT membership of Cromwell Community College in Chatteris would like to express our sincere condolences to Steve's wife and family at this sad time. I trust we can do his memory proud on April 24th. Robert Jarvis - Cambridgeshire

I prsonally did not know Steve but always heard wonderful reports about him and his fairmindedness Ruth Rees - Barnet

I met Steve on several occasions, the last being a few weeks ago at conference when I was one of the members he presented with an award. I am proud and honoured to have received this award from Steve. I am also grateful that I got the chance to thank Steve for all the support he gave me and my colleagues over the past few years as we went through a difficult grievance and tribunal. Steve always had time to talk to the members and let them know how much he cared. He will be greatly missed. My condolences go out to his wife Mary and family. Pam Alexander - Liverpool

Words fail to express our sadness to the warm caring family who we knew when they lived in Lancashire. Steve will be so greatly missed by so many.Rebecca sends special wishes to Kate who she went to high school with,and we allsend fondest love to Steve jnr, and Mary. Pat, Derek Lee & Family - Lancashire

Condolences to family and friends - great good man will be missed. Lisa - N Yorks

Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Teachers lost a great asset and a committed friend in their struggle for respect for trade unions and human rights. It is a shock to all of us who happen to know his commitment for the causes of Teachers all over the world.It is sad! Steve Sinnott will be missed and may Lord Bless his Soul and comfort his family. Y Haile-Meskel - Wiltshire

Steve Sinnott, is a well known name in the circles of teacher trade union leaders in the Caribbean. Steve raised the bar to a higher level for the teachers in the Caribbean and his contribution will go a long way in improving the quality of education in the region. At this point what he expects of us is that every single teacher will be able to continue the struggle from where he left and ensure that every singly child receives quality education.His presence will be missed but his inspiration will continue to thrive in every single classroom and in ever teachers' union hall and gathering. May his body and soul rest in peace and I trust that his contribution to education world wide will offer some form of comfort to his family and friends. Virginia Albert - St. Lucia Caribbean

He was a great bloke. Great and inspiring public speaker as well as a passionate man for the cause of teachers. One of my most enduring memories of him was just speaking to him at a young teachers conference. He was an approachable and friendly guy. Dan Thompson, RBWM NUT, Young Teachers Representative

Yes, he was a great bloke and a great man. He was always there for us all when we needed him. I met him on more than one occasion, such a warm human sort of bloke. It left me in tears when I heard on the news as I was driving to home from London on Saturday. He will be missed by many.

Condolences from Halton Division to all of his family.

Christine Blower is right, it is a fitting tribute to Steve that we carry on with the fair pay for teachers campaign he was leading, I am sure he would wish it. Colin Eaton. Halton NUT.

Shocked and saddened by this awful news. Dorset NUT expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to Steve's family. He will be very greatly misssed. Dave Bowen

All in Lincolnshire are saddened by the news. Steve brought a new sense of purpose to the Union and his Q'n'A sessions at conference were a great idea.

Let's make the 24th a hugely successful day in his memory. A Watkins-Groves

At the risk of repeating myself, "Jesus wept. He was a young man, he was only my age. This is a big shock and I agree with Christine Blower 100% we have to continue the fight." Derek McMillan

Steve was a good man and it was meant something important that our Union should be led by someone of such high moral purpose. Personally, I am choked and tearful and my thoughts go out to Mary and his family.

Just one memory out of many was watching him at the Divisional Secretary briefings at Stoke Rochford and Hamilton House - especially when planning our pay campaign. He was instrumental in setting up an atmosphere and a process which brought us together in a common purpose. Whether we were gung ho, cautious, confident or unsure we shared ideas and strategies and left those briefings more united than when we went in.

Steve left us stronger and more united than he found us and its our responsibility to build on that. Dennis Charman - Secretary HFTA

I heard this news this morning by mobile phone whilst in a meeting. I have to say it was extremely distressing and frankly it was very difficult not to burst into tears. I did not agree with Steve on many issues but his resolve on the pay dispute was tremendous and he had succeeded in creating a much greater sense of comradeship inside the union than had existed before. I agree with Christine when she says we have to ensure the pay campaign is a fitting tribute to Steve who carried it through to this point so well. The material the Union put out in the run up to the ballot and since the strike was announced has been probably the best the Union has put out since I have been a member. This is a sad day for teacher trade unionists and the broader trade union and labour movement. Liam Conway

Our deepest sympathy to Mary and all Steve's family from North Yorkshire Division. This is the most tragic and unexpected news. Many of us got to know Steve well through annual conference and he made his presidential address in Scarborough. He has made a fantastic contribution to the union and earned the respect of those in education at home and abroad. He was a thoroughly good man and he will be missed by us all. Anne Swift - (North Yorkshire Div) former executive member

Shocked and extremely saddened by the news. I met Steve on the first IUDE course when I was relatively new to the NUT world and teaching. He never forgot my name and always made the time to say hello. He is an inspiration and very supportive of young teachers. I intend to work even harder than I already have been at making this strike and campaign a success in my area. He will be greatly missed by myself and I speak for Norfolk Division too.

Our deepest sympathy goes to Mary and all his family. Kendra Deacon - Norfolk Division Assistant Secretary, Young Teachers' Representative and New Executive Member.

This is tragic news and our sympathy to Mary and Steves family.

I first remember Steve speaking at NUT conference about Make Poverty History and encouraging us all to go to Edinburgh to demonstrate against the G8. This made it much easier to get lots of teachers on the 2 trains which went up from Leeds.

Over the last year Steve always took the time out to help us with our local Anti Trust Campaign wherever he was in the world. Having read the latest NUT News- I think the conclusion is Yes mourn but also in his memory lets organise ! Sally Kincaid - Wakefield and District

Very shocked and saddened to hear the news of Steve's death. I'd like to send my condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

I believe that Steve leaves a legacy of an independent and fighting union that is more united and was stronger in it's campaigning under his leadership.

I also hope that the strength of action in the fight against the three year pay cut becomes a fitting tribute to Steve. Nick Raine - South Notts NUT

A good, fair, honest man. Steve has succeeded in getting all parts of the union to work together in the interest of our members. He will be sadly missed. He leaves us all a legacy to continue working hard to ensure a better deal for teachers. He would have expected nothing less. My thoughts are with Mary and her family at this time. A good, fair, honest man. Steve has succeeded in getting all parts of the union to work together in the interest of our members. He will be sadly missed. He leaves us all a legacy to continue working hard to ensure a better deal for teachers. He would have expected nothing less. My thoughts are with Mary and her family at this time. Gill Goodswen - Kirklees, Junior VP.

Such a shock when I heard and as others have said so young and unexpected - a man cut down in his prime with so much left to do for the Union which he had already made more united. Lets make sure 24th April is a massive success as one part of our tribute to Steve. Lets contiune his work for professional unity. Mary and family my thoughts are with you at this time. Jean - Hammersmith & Fulham

Steve's pride in being a trade unionist, and pride in being a member of the NUT was contagious. He was an inspiring general secretary whose commitment to equality and unity never wavered - but perhaps most of all, he was a really nice guy who will be greatly missed. My thoughts go out to his family. Nick - Rochdale Association

Like everyone else, I am still in a state of shock about this terrible news.

Following in Steve's footsteps as National Executive Member for the Lancashire area, he was always an inspiration to me.

Activists in this area were delighted to learn he planned to speak at our pay strike rally in Preston on 24 April.

He looked so well and full of fight when he addressed the Executive on Tuesday with the news of the 75%+ YES vote. Under his leadership the Executive has been totally united in its resolve to fight to protect teachers' pay.

Not matter how many times I see the tragic news confirmed on the TV or internet, it's still not really sinking in.

I'm in tears now as I think of his family - how happy he and Mary were as a couple, how much he loved his kids (he was like a teenager when it came to constantly texting his daughter Kate) and how proud he was to become a grandad.

Our thoughts are with Mary and his family foremost right now, but we have all lost a great General Secretary and a good friend.

We should also spare a thought for Christine Blower who will need everyone's support as she assumes the role of acting GS.

He really was a smashing bloke. Simon Jones - Blackburn with Darwen Division Secretary, National Executive Member for District 7

You're right, Simon - he really was... but I still can't get my head around saying "was". Stunned, as everyone else is, it's hard to find the words, but I found what Dennis posted above really struck a chord. Thanks for putting it so succinctly, Dennis. Veronica Peppiatt - Exec Member Surrey & West Sussex

We're still coming to terms with the sad news of Steve's untimely death. Not only will this be a shock to his family and close friends but also to the wider education community.

It will also unexpectedly impact on our acting GS as we go forward with our action on 24th.

Steve always said he was proud to say, "My name is Steve Sinnott and I'm the General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers." He was and created opportunities for our campaigning and democracy to flourish - a good base for the future.

Please pass on Plymouth NUT's condolences to Steve's family and all at Hamilton House. David Smale - Plymouth Division Secretary

Shocking news and the best tribute we can give Steve is to have a big show for him on 24th April. Please pass on Southwark NUT´s condolences to Steve´s family. Michael Davern - Joint Division Secretary, Southwark

All in Northumberland would like to echo the thoughts and comments expressed above. Steve was a great friend to our Division, and to so many others; his contribution to the Union, one that delivered both unity and a campaigning edge, he will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathy to Mary and Steve's family. Vin Wynne - Northumberland Divisional Secretary

The news came as such a shock. Steve was leading us into the first national action for 21 years and he will be a sad loss to the Union and the education movement in general. He was always a staunch believer in professional unity.

The thoughts and sympathies of myself and colleagues in Brent go out to Mary and the family at this time.

Lesley Gouldbourne, who is abroad, wants to send her condolences too and was saddened by the terrible news. Hank Roberts - Brent Association Secretary

What devastating news for all in the NUT. Our deepest symapthies and prayers go to Mary and his family. He will be greatly missed. Dennis Gibbons - Leeds

This sad news came as a terrible shock and I am writing this in tears. Steve was an inspirational leader of our union and his loss will be felt keenly in the wider educational community both here and abroad.

I send my deepest sympathy from both myself and my family to Steve's wife and family and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

And on behalf of my members in my school I say,let's make the 24th a meaningful and sucessful day in his memory. Margaret McCartan - NUT Representative and Secondary Officer, Haringey, London.

We were shocked on hearing the news of Steve's untimely death. Our first thoughts are for his wife Mary and their children.

Last Friday was such a positive day with many school reps reporting the closure of their schools here in Devon. Steve was about to lead the NUT into the national strike on 24 April. We knew that he was deeply committed to its success. Never was that more clear than when he spoke to our General meeting on 16 January, the day it was announced that the ballot was going to take place.

The impact of the strike will be felt by this Government and hopefully it will inspire the trade union movement, particularly in the public sector and especially if the UCU also strikes.

Steve played a huge part in leading the public sector workers along with others such as Mark Serwotka of the PCS. He will be greatly missed.

It was important too that Annual Conference spoke with one voice on so many issues.

We know that Steve will be a huge loss on the international educational stage also. We are thinking particularly of our colleagues in the General Union of Palestinian Teachers who told us how much they admired his efforts to support them on behalf of the NUT in their struggle for a free Palestine.

In solidarity Dave Clinch - Secretary, Devon NUT

The news of Steve's sudden untimely death is a huge shock to his family and the Union. He was inspiration to us all and a great leader. I am still finding it difficult to come to terms with his loss. Steve has done so much to unite the Union under his courageous leadership. He will be deeply missed by all. He was always generous with all he met. Steve gave so much to the Trade Union movement, both nationally and internationally and he had so much more to give as well.

From all the members in Somerset our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Mary and their children. Mick Lerry

I,like so many others, was shocked and saddened by such unexpected and tragic news. My thoughts and those of Hertfordshire NUT must be with Mary and the family at this most difficult time. I hope, however, that there will soon be an opportunity where we can all show our respect and appreciation for Steve beyond that of making April 24th a resounding success.

Steve was a lovely man and such an inspirational leader of our Union that it will take time before we all fully appreciate what he has done to unite us and lead us forward so positively. He was so good at remembering the names of so many members at all levels of activism and always greeted everyone like a long lost friend.

I agree with Simon that we must also spare a thought for Christine Blower as she carries a very heavy load now. I am sure, however, that we will all pull together over the next weeks as we struggle to come to terms with this devastating blow. With sadness - Christine Hood - Hertfordshire Division Secretary, Executive Member for Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Luton

What a difference Steve has made to so many lives!

His contribution to changing the way that the Union operates will be a fitting tribute to his life.

He became General Secretary at a time when the Union was riven with negativity and factionalism. His personal honesty, sincerity and preparedness to work to bring everyone on board has resulted in a Union that now has the unity and strength to face up to its first national strike for a generation with a confidence and determination shared by all sectors of the membership in England and Wales. His passing will be mourned not just within the NUT but throughout the whole Trade Union movement in Britain and in many corners of the world where his international contribution earned tremendous respect for the Union on a world scale.

We will miss him.

His loss leaves a tremendous hole in our lives as trade unionists. His death leaves us with a sorrow and a 'rage against the dying of the light' for someone so full of life and hope for the future.

It seems so unjust for him to go now but justice does not occur naturally in this world, it is something that we have to strive to create.

Steve strove mightily to create justice in his every breath and as long as his example continue to inspire trade unionists throughout the world, his epitaph could be as in the Odes of Horace:
Non omnis moriar
I shall not altogether die
Robert Wilkinson

Oh Robert,you do put things so well. The Bills and Sinnott families have been friends for many years and we are just gutted.

John and Steve were on the National Executive together from 1986 and more recently I've worked with Steve as a national officer.

My abiding memory of Steve is his bravery. He would say what had to be said and to people's faces. Whether talking to government ministers, home or abroad, or a group of less than friendly trade unionists elsewhere in the world, Steve would say it as it is. That's why everyone respected him.

He has been an inspiration to us all and he will be badly missed. However, I also know that Christine will carry on Steve's work and lead us well during this sad time.

All our thoughts should go to Mary and her family but all our efforts must go into making the Fair Pay For Teachers campaign a huge success and a fitting tribute to Steve.

Hilary Bills

I simply can't bring words to mind to describe the shock i felt when i heard the news. My mind goes back two weeks when he put his arm around me and said 'there's my little pal'.... I really looked up to him and am really proud to be part of his union. My deepest sympathies to his family...xxx We will all have a hole in our lives now that he's gone. Annette Pryce - Amersham, Chesham & District NUT, Branch Sec.

It has taken over a day since I heard the tragic news of Steve's death before I feel able to comment here. I have been sadder than I can say.

It is a huge blow for the Union, but nothing compared with the blow it must be for his family. I can only imagine how devastated they must be.

I have lost 3 activist friends in the last 2 months. Martin Kirby, who died in Nottingham in February, Mike Custance who died just before Conference and now Steve, just a year younger than I am.

It makes one realise how fragile our mortality is. It also makes me reflect on whether we ask too much of those who lead our Union.

I hadn't the courage to continue my own campaign to be GS in 2003, but Steve was made of sterner stuff. When I did withdraw he was amongst the first to call me to ask how I was. I shall not forget that call at a difficult time.

He gave without reserve to all the campaigns he believed in. He truly gave his life for the Union and his beliefs.

I once saw him as a political opponent within the Union, but recently I had admired the way in which he united activists in a determined purpose. I was beginning to know him better and would have liked that friendship to grow. Alas it is too late now.

I last saw him on the Tuesday morning of Conference hurrying between the Centre and the Hotel. 'All right John?' he shouted as he passed.

I once teased him for his regular use of the word 'Smashing' and he used it much more rarely of late. I was sorry for that. He liked the word and truly was a smashing man. I shall miss him. I was pleased he thought it was 'smashing' to be our GS.

We must all work to make sure the campaigns he stood for are fought an won. But we must also take care of our leaders. They are far too precious to lose.

My heartfelt condolences to Mary and family. My thoughts are with you. John Illingworth

Like everyone else I am astoundly shocked by the sudden tragic news.

My thoughts and sympathies are with Steve's family at this sad time. In fact,I'm speaking on behalf of all our colleagues in Wirral as I know they would also wish to express their condolences. We need to ensure that 24th is a tremendous start to our campaign as Steve was so committed to its success.

He will be missed. Brenda Gallie - Secretary, Wirral NUT

To my comrades at the NUT, I was contacted late Saturday night Australian time - to say I was gutted and shocked is an understatement. Steve's reputation internationally was without peer and his work with 'Make Poverty History" inspirational. All the times I have visited the NUT Steve always found time to talk with me, make me feel welcome and discuss the issues that affect teachers in both of our countries.

I have contacted Angelo Gavrielatos, President of the Australian Education Union and Sharan Burrow President of the ACTU ( and former President of Educational International) both of whom worked with Steve over the years, both are deeply shocked and asked me to pass on their condolences to Mary and Steve's family and of course to his union.

He was a great leader and committed unionist - we will miss him John Dixon - Acting General Secretary, NSW Teachers Federation, Australia

A great loss, but a good legacy.

On behalf of Nottingham City Association, we send our deepest sympathy to Mary and all of Steve's family.

It was with great sadness that we learnt of Steve's death. He had proved himself a worthy General Secretary and a "smashing" bloke!

His leadership in the current pay campaign was brilliant. We can carry out the action as a tribute to him.

However, the unity he was bringing to the Union, which we all experienced at Conference, was a legacy worth building on. We are much stronger now, because of his commitment.

He will be very sadly missed! Jen Illingworth

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops" Henry Brooks Adams Steve's commitment as a teacher and a trade unionist will have a lasting, positive influence on all who knew him, our union and our campaigns. Hazel Danson

Like everyone else I feel shocked and upset.

News like this makes you realise how short and precious life is.

Our condolences go to Steve's family.

Steve was in Leicester just a few weeks ago and met staff and students at a secondary school, NUT headteachers and then attended our AGM. He had a lovely way of interacting with everyone and made people feel valued and special.

I really appreciated the role he played in uniting the union. Let's hope this feeling of unity continues.

I have a deep sense of sadness, particularly as we were feeling so elated after Conference and the positive ballot result. We must not let go of this solidarity of purpose.

Steve will be sadly missed. Jane Rudon - Executive member and Div Sec of City of Leicester.

A listener, but also a doer.

We will always remember Steve Sinnott as someone who could listen attentively, but could also get things done - a rare combination of talents. He has made a lasting impression on the National Union of Teachers and we remember him with respect and affection. The members of Rhondda Cynon Taf Divison, send our sincere condolences to all of his family, friends and colleagues throughout the NUT at this very sad time. Mike Harris - Div Sec. Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Like every one else this has come as such a shock

Steve was an outstanding leader of our Union who was respected for his work both in the UK and internationally figthing for the rights of fellow teacher trade unionists.

In Newham, Steve was a supporter of our work on Refugees and Asylum seekers Are Welcome Here and he came and presented prizes to the children. When Steve spoke to us and the children he left us inspired to continue our work.

Let us make the 24th April the start of campaign that would make Steve proud of us, his Union The thoughts of all Newham's members are with Steves family at this time. Iain Hale - NTA officer

Steve Sinnott worked hard for us all in the Union and he will be sorely missed here and around the world where he has made his mark. I feel strongly as has been stated that we must continue to fight on vigorously as he would have wanted to do himself. I remember his speech at the end of conference and the rallying songs we sang at the end. The struggle must go on with renewed vigour in his honour. He did what he could and we all have to do the rest. I send sincere condolences to his family and closest friends , from all of Southwark membership and committee. Betty Joseph

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