Obit: George Strattan Dec 12 2009

Subject: Obit: George Strattan Dec 12 2009
From: gecko
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 09:40 PM

Very sad news from Richard Strattan that his father George passed away on 12 December at the fine old age of 89 in Southport, Lancs.

Although badly plagued by Parkinson's Disease in his later years, George never gave in to it and continued to involve himself in political issues, play golf and sing at The Bothy Folk Club, The Ship and Maghull Day of Music whenever the opportunity arose.

I first met George, with his late wife Vi, at The Bothy Folk Club in Southport in 2001 when we discovered a mutual appreciation of Dick Gaughan, from whom (thanks to George) I received a special birthday kiss when he appeared at the club sometime later. Then there was the May Day March on The Wirral in 2002 when George was kind enough to introduce me to one of my idols, Tony Benn. Since our return to Australia we kept up our long distance friendship with letters, cards, phone calls and earlier this year, we managed to spend a couple of memorable days with him during a trip back to the UK.

A man of immense integrity and compassion, and a tireless worker for those less well off than himself; he was also a talented singer of what he considered were the 'real' folk songs - especially those that carried a message for the enrichment of our society.

Sleep well dear comrade, the world is a better place for your efforts.

Yours In Unity and sadness

gecko



Below is the obituary from the Liverpool Daily Post, 17 December 2009.

Liverpool Daily Post December 17 2009

Merseyside Folksinger and CND campaigner George Strattan dies in a Southport nursing home

George Strattan

IF ALL that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing, then evil met a fierce adversary in George Strattan.
Because, throughout his life, George, invariably with his devoted wife, Viola, at his side, worked tirelessly in support of causes he felt so strongly about.
George was prominently involved in establishing Merseyside Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in the early 1980s and fought to rid the UK of American Cruise Missiles and the replacement of the Polaris Missile System with Trident Nuclear Submarines.
The couple were at the heart of Crosby CND, where they lived for many years, and Merseyside Action for Peace (Trades Union CND), George having been an active member of AEUW-TASS all his working and retired life.
They went on to form Merseywatch, a local anti-nuclear environmental group which was set up to highlight the dangers from radio-active contamination in the Irish Sea caused by Sellafield.
George and Vi, as she was known to friends, were founder members of the Merseyside Chernobyl Children's Project, which still brings children affected by the disaster at the nuclear power station in Belarus to Crosby every summer for medical treatment, rest and recuperation.
George's activity extended beyond Crosby and Merseyside to national and international interests, particularly with friends and campaigners in Germany and Ireland.
Into his retirement, he continued to play an active role in Merseyside CND.

He was among those to protest outside the Labour party conference in Southport in 2003 against the Iraq war, explaining: "It is important that ordinary people make their position clear."
Although widowed, George enjoyed an active social life, singing for many years at the Bothy Folk Club in Southport.
He was known for his repertoire of Scottish songs, peace songs and trade union songs before health problems prevented his regular attendance.
He passed away on Saturday in a Southport nursing home.
George Strattan, peace campaigner, trade unionist and folk singer; died December 12, 2009, aged 89

Subject: RE: Obit: George Strattan Dec 12 2009
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 09:51 AM

an obituary to be proud of!

Subject: RE: Obit: George Strattan Dec 12 2009
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 11:39 AM

Thanks for starting this thread Janet. Richard is keen to arrange a celebration in music, song and spoken word in celebration of his Dad's life and this is likely to be early in the New Year. I'll update this thread as and when. An article on "Joe Hill" surely George's signature song, appeared in the Folk Music Journal for 1983 and featured an interview with George. He also recorded the song for the Smithsonian Folkways label.

Subject: RE: Obit: George Strattan Dec 12 2009
From: GUEST,Neville Grundy
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 04:12 PM

I was saddened to learn of about George's death, which I learned from Clive Pownceby at the Bothy just before Christmas.

Although I have been active in the trade union movement and, to a lesser extent, the peace movement over many years, I feel my efforts pale into insignificance compared to what George and his late wife Vi achieved in their very full lives. In a world where inaction and silence are treated by our leaders as consent, protest and organising opposition are the only ways we can vote against war and weapons of mass murder. George was never silent or inactive, for which we owe him a huge debt. His life's work for peace should prick our consciences.

George was Life President of Merseyside CND. A good way to honour his memory would be to join CND.

Subject: RE: Obit: George Strattan Dec 12 2009
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 02:03 AM

The date for George's celebration is shaping up to be 6th Feb. - to be confirmed, as is the venue. More news when I have it.

Subject: RE: Obit: George Strattan Dec 12 2009
From: Aeola
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 09:04 AM

I was sorry to hear of George's death but along with a number of others attended his funeral. Richard was hoping to arrange a day in Feb to celebrate his father's life which I am sure will be well attended.He's back with Vi now!

Subject: RE: Obit: George Strattan Dec 12 2009
From: GUEST,jay matthews
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 04:56 PM

Over the years Ive bumpt into George Strattan, many times. He inspired me to look deeper and think more about Folk nusic, this turned my head and is now relected into my own songs and lyrics.
I will miss bumping into Mr Strattan, but I will never forget his songs.

Subject: RE: Obit: George Strattan Dec 12 2009
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 10:55 AM

George's memorial night is definitely set for 6th Feb. 8PM start at Southport's Park Golf Club on Park Road West, which is at the northerly end of the Promenade. All are welcome. Musical items with reminiscences, and memories will help make this a celebration of an inspiring man, without whom the world is truly a poorer place.

Subject: RE: Obit: George Strattan Dec 12 2009
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 10:14 AM

Start-time for next Saturday's tribute/music night for George is now 7PM for 7.30PM. Through to midnight. There are so many people wanting to sing, play and pay tribute to the man that we've had to extend things. Venue as detailed in last posting. More news updates when we have them.

Subject: RE: Obit: George Strattan Dec 12 2009
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 02 Mar 11 - 02:33 PM

This year's memorial-music night for George will be on the evening of Saturday 12th March and as in 2010, will be at Park Golf Club, Southport. Admission £5 includes supper and all proceeds will go the George Strattan Scholarship Fund, established after last year's event. Watch out for seperate thread coming soon!