Obituaries
Comrade Bill Bodenham (1935 - 2005)
The working class have lost a great leader in Bill 'Bodo' Bodenham. Bill spent most of his life in the maritime industry; going to sea as a young man. He was a member of the Seaman's Union of Australia, the Firemen and Deckhands' Union and after amalgamation, the MUA. Bill played a prominent part in all three organisations.
He was national president of the Maritime Unionists Socialist Activities Association (MUSAA) and also National Secretary of the MUA Veterans' Association. It was in Sydney, attending the National Conference of the MUA Veterans that we suffered such a devastating blow when Bill passed away.
For many years Bill was a member of the Communist Party and subsequently the Socialist Party of Australia. He believed that the only lasting solution to the problems facing workers was socialism. He was a Marxist who had a great understanding and was able to communicate his ideas to people. He was an outstanding organiser and a great believer in providing working class political education for young people, often gaving lectures at St Georges Basin and on a couple of occasions Willowhaven in New Zealand.
Bill was well known as a ardent and passionate supporter of workers all over the world and had attended international peace and union conferences of behalf of his union and veterans. Bodo was very concerned at the right-wing offensive of the Howard Government. He stressed the need for unity and struggle.
While we mourn the loss of our beloved comrade we take up his legacy to us which is contained in the slogan of the MUA Veterans; "Retired From the Workforce - Not the Struggle." His whole life was devoted to the struggle for socialism and a better future for the working people.
The funeral for Bill Bodenham was be held on November 17 at the North Chapel, Newcastle Crematorium. Following the ceremony, a celebration of Bill's life was held at Panthers Newcastle.
Jim Boyle
Newcastle Branch Secretary
Champion
When a horse called Makybe Diva won the Melbourne Cup for an unprecedented three times in a row, pundits said we would never see this feat again in our lifetime. The Diva was hailed as the people's champion.
Not long after that we lost a workers champion, Bill Bodenham, and I guarantee you, if we lived 10 life times we would never see the likes again. Bill was a national and international champion, fighting for worker's rights, regardless of race, colour or creed. The only criteria Bill had was that if you were a worker, Bill was in your corner. He was only a mere mortal, like us all; bone and muscle, but a humourist of note with a keen intellect. Bill was a powerful orator, and when he spoke you understood his message clearly because it was straight from the heart.
Bill was a member of the seafarer's fraternity for 50 years and like a lot of blokes, in his early years fought hard for wages and conditions. They were branded 'seagoing lawyers', but this was an injustice for Bill. He was no sea-going lawyer, he was pure silk and any who challenged him in court invariably finished among the also ran, much to their chagrin.
I have known Bill for forty odd years and every time I was in his company felt happy and safe knowing full well that if I hit a hurdle, he would always be there to give me a leg up. He was like the line from the song "your eyes will light our way tonight" (like Joe Hill).
Bill, I will see you in my dreams; farewell old comrade, until we meet again on Fiddler's Green - when I will hear that distinctive voice saying: "how are you, Comrade."
Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to wife Daphne and family members. Vale.
Bob Johnson,
life member
For MUA Vets, Devonport.
Man of Conviction
In all the years I knew and worked with Bill Bodenham he never once wavered from his socialist convictions. He was a great working class leader with the remarkable ability to analyse a situation or problem and put forward a course of activity which would bring a conclusion in the best interests of working people. He was a shrewd tactician and had a talent for organisation he was well respected amongst his comrades and was able to influence a lot of people to take part in the daily struggle. MUSAA and the MUA Veterans' Association both benefited greatly from Bill's ability as a leader. Young people especially interested him and he went to great lengths to include them in activities while always available to impart his experience and understanding of Marxist theory.
Bill Bodenham was a great leader dedicated to the establishment of a socialist future which he considered the only permanent answer to the problems facing the people of this country.
T A Curphey
MUSAA
MUA Veterans
Mighty Contribution
We salute our comrade who devoted his life to the cause of the working class. Bill believed that the only lasting solution to the problems of the workers was a socialist future. His great understanding and organising ability was a mighty contribution to the work of the unions particularly the SUA where he took on many tasks as ship's delegate and relieving official. He also contributed his knowledge and drive to the Firemen's and Deckhands Union and the Maritime Union.
Bill's organising ability and hard work in the Veterans' Association saw it develop into the national organisation it is today, taking part in the fight against the right wing-agenda of the Howard Government. His final address to the Veterans Conference warned of the dangerous move to the right and called for unity of all forces to defeat this attempt to take back all the gains won over many years of struggle by our fathers and forefathers.
There is no way we can say goodbye to Bill for he will go into the history books of the working class and be with us forever. Comrade, we salute you and pledge to carry on the struggle for a better Australia for our children and grandchildren. Our condolences to Daphne and family on behalf of the MUA Veterans Association.
Fred Krausert
National Secretary
MUA Veterans
Bill Bodenham: Bright Beacon
I would like to express my sincerest condolences to Bill's family, MUA comrades and friends. I would also like to express my absolute solidarity with the Australian working class who Bill so passionately believed in and fought for.
The many of us in New Zealand who got to know him well thought of Bill as a bright beacon which was always there beaming across the Tasman Sea. He was a man with a just vision, which we always turned to. We thought of him as belonging to the future, with a strong involvement in the struggles of the past.
This was because he always had a clear line of attack, whether it was against the boss or in clearing away confusion in our own thinking. When he participated in our seminars, organised by the Socialist Party of Aotearoa and MUSSA, we were always recharged by the abundance of his wisdom.
We knew him as a man who never bent this way or that in the pursuit of personal power. His humour made you listen
An outstanding Marxist, he could articulate rank and file militancy and the political will of the oppressed, which always gave us hope for the future. He fought like a brother, alongside you, which is why we can understand why so many Australian workers looked up to him as a truly great leader - even after his 'retirement (Never retired from the struggle)'.
But all too quickly he has become an icon of the past. It is up to us now, to keep this heroic past alive and use the memory of Bill, this icon, this bright beacon, to light the way.
Kia kaha!
Mike Williams
Wellington Seafarers' Secretary,
Maritime Union of New Zealand
Man of Principal
MUA members aboard the Northwest Sandpiper wish to convey our sincerest condolences to the family of the recently deceased Bill Bodenham.
Over the years Bill has been a tireless worker and unionist always championing for improved conditions and social justice for the rank and file.
A successful, progressive union is built on strengths such as honesty, dignity and a belief in a fair go for all. Without a doubt Bill was the epitome of these principals.
It has been an absolute honour and privilege to have a person of Bill's principals within our collective fold and he shall never be forgotten.
Lyle Payne.4363
MUA Members,
Northwest Sandpiper.
Great Legacy
The MUA members of Adsteam Tugs Port Kembla are greatly saddened by the news of Billy Bodenham's death.
Billy's work as a delegate at sea and on board both towage companies in Newcastle has set the bench mark in setting and protecting conditions for his fellow workers.
Bill, of course, had not been still in retirement, setting up the MUA Veterans Association nationally and then connecting with international associations.
The influence that inspired a generation of delegates and fellow workers is Bill Bodenham's great legacy.
MUA Members
Port Kembla Tugs
Norm Carey: Branch Secretary
Former Tasmanian branch official Norm Carey passed away in September.
Norm retired from the waterfront in 1987 and the last position he held was as branch secretary. This was the elected position held by Norm when Tasmanian Branch Secretary Mick Wickham, myself and ten other new recruits started in the industry.
Norm was our first secretary; along with other officials and the rank and file he was resolute regarding the need to rectify the problems with the Burnie Port quota to achieve the supply of labour requested by the ship owner. The Burnie Port quota was rectified by our recruitment after the membership adopted a resolution to ban overtime.
During Norm's time as an elected official he also spent considerable time in providing care to the love of his life, Marg, who suffered multiple sclerosis. He never complained about his issues with the care needed for Marg - then again that was Norm.
The waterfront to Norm was more than a workplace, it was a way of life.
Norm will be remembered by not only wharfies but also many seafarers that he helped, particularly those on the ANL vessels, the Bass Trader, the Melbourne Trader and the Irene Greenwood (Stateships). If people required assistance then Norm would provide it if at all possible, even if it meant getting some Tasmanian leatherwood honey on the next time the vessel was in Port.
Norm was a great son of the working class who provided assistance to many. I, along with others, had the good fortune to work with and to be associated with Comrade Norm Carey.
Condolences to Norm's son, Norman and family.
Trevor Munday
Qld Deputy Branch Secretary
Bert Fagin: Mixing Culture and Politics
Bert Fagin, a long time activist of the Seamen's Union passed away after a long battle with cancer in September. At the funeral ceremony, which was a celebration of Bert's life, a number of life- long friends and union colleagues spoke about his contribution to humanity's constant struggle for a better and more equitable world. The speakers were Peggy Cregan, Muriel Arnott, Kevin Bracken (Victorian Secretary, MUA) and myself.
I first met Bert in the 1950's, soon after he came to Australia. He had been a soldier, a blacksmith's striker, a nurse, a coal-miner and for most of his working life, a seaman. He was a consistent and enthusiastic political activist and Communist Party member from the early 1950s.
Around that time an Italian Opera Company was in Melbourne. Bert appealed to all at a meeting to get along to the opera and "rub shoulders" with the recently arrived Italian migrant workers. You can imagine that some of the seamen at the meeting thought Bert's utterance was a bit 'highbrow'. Of course, what it really portrayed was his appreciation of the arts and things cultural. After his retirement, we would often visit the art gallery. He had a keen interest in live theatre and was quite a movie buff. Indeed, if you wanted a critique of a current movie Bert was the person to ring.
Throughout his time at sea, Bert accepted responsibility as a union delegate, actively participating in many union campaigns, although it should be said that he did not limit himself to the needs of maritime workers. His outlook was much broader, a vision embracing the workers as a class. It goes without saying that Bert's attitude was based on an enthusiastic embrace and confidence in the philosophy of Marxism.
During the late 1950's, the Seamen's Union was active on a number of fronts. For example, in August 1959 Italian seafarers declared an international strike, seafarers in Australia were under attack and the Conference for International Co-operation and Disarmament was being prepared. To assist the preparation for this conference Bert paid-off his ship, freely giving of his time for several months.
One day, we got word that South Suburban Taxi-Trucks were going to deliver meat to a scab ship at the Station Pier. Bert assisted in organising a huge picket line to stop the scab meat getting through. As one of the vehicles approached the picket line, Bert mounted the running board and appealed to the driver to show solidarity with the strikers. But, with police assistance, the scab drivers got through. Undaunted, some of the Italian strikers jumped onto the taxi truck. As it sped down the wharf the strikers threw the meat carcasses into the sea, resulting in that particular truck delivering no meat.
These experiences are typical of Bert's life and dedication to various political and social justice causes. Up until quite recently and although seriously ill, he participated in many demonstrations and actions, particularly regarding the absurd war against Iraq and its people.
I know that Bert was saddened by the demise of the Communist Party, which in a sense was part of his reason for being. When on leave from his ship, he often assisted with work in the Party office. Those who worked there regarded him highly and properly so.
Bert was also a member of the Jewish Democratic Association, which has done much to foster peace and accord between the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. I think he considered the Palestinians to be the real victims, in the context of post second world war geo-politics.
Bert, you were a good unionist, a generous worker for the Party, and to use the vernacular, "a bloody good bloke". With your passing, the world will be a poorer place. In Bert's honour, we should resolve to do more about the socio-political dilemmas, which be-devil our world.
Farewell Bert Fagin, generous and unselfish person that you have been. We miss you and will long remember you.
Roger Wilson
Assistant Branch Secretary,
Seamen's Union, 1959 - 1984
Malcolm McLean: Wharfie alderman
As a 16 year old during World War II Malcolm was too young to enlist in the army. However, determined to play his part in the war, he joined the Seamens' Union and spent the war sailing out of Sydney on the coastal ships to northern ports and New Guinea. This gave him a profound sense of working class responsibility and the value of a good union. It also gave him opposition to war and a deep appreciation of world peace and disarmament.
In 1954 Malcolm joined the Sydney branch of the WWF, just prior to the great national strike.
Malcolm, while active in the union, was also taking a keen interest in local government affairs. Elected as an alderman on Manly council he soon became deputy mayor and was engaged in local government politics for a number of years.
Malcolm was a good workmate and a fine trade unionist. He lived a long and useful life.
Vale Malcolm McLean
Harry Black
Secretary
Retired Sydney Veterans Association
Peter Lauder: Pelican Man
To the Cairns community, retired wharfie Peter Lauder was known simply as the Pelican Man. After leaving the waterfront in 1972, Peter, also an avid fisherman, shared his catch with the local pelicans. They became his pets. One, the Cairns Post reports, became so protective of him, "it would puff out its chest, spread its wings and jealously circle around Peter warding off rivals".
"I had a professional fishing licence and when we'd go out to sea the birds would follow us, so we'd feed them fish," he said.
The pelicans would walk up to his home until he thought it too dangerous for them to cross the road and decided to take a bucket down and feed them on the Esplanade. "I feed them every day from June to December," he said. "After Christmas they migrate for about six months."
Peter worked the wharves from 1938 to 1972 in both Cairns and Sydney. He was a staunch union supporter who held the role of returning officer for many years. Peter died, aged 95, in November.
MUA Veteran Charlie Bell attended the funeral along with community members who came to know Peter as a local identity and as family. Outside his home the pelicans stood vigil, lost without the man who hand fed them for 40 years, their old mate with the best delivery service in town.
Trevor Munday
Deputy Secretary
South Qld Branch
Ray Newman: Black Widows
Shipmate Raymond James passed away in Launceston in October aged 73 years.
Raymond came to sea at 16 and sailed on fishing boats and scows and then onto blue water ships in the ANL P class bulkies and phosphate ships. He then moved to the Aussie Trader for many years before sailing on the Black Widows (Sydney, Townsville and Brisbane Trader). He put the anchors ashore in 1998.
The sea going tradition is carried on with his son Eric and grandson Jamie.
Raymond's ashes were spread in Bass Strait so he may watch over all who sail through on their travels across the world's oceans and seas.
On behalf of the crew
Searoad Mersey
A Coleman
Union no 3417
Chris Shannon: Big Bloke
It's with deep remorse that I inform the membership of the passing of retired SUA member Chris Shannon (Peggy cum Cook). Chris passed away on the 13th December 2005 after his battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Cathy, daughters Rebecca, Melissa and Amanda, and grandchildren Zac and Taylor, all of whom he adored. Well big bloke, wherever you are, I'll see you there someday. I'm sure I'm heading in the same direction.
Mick Cogan.
Union No4092
Jim Wright: Easy Rider
It is with deep sadness that I report the loss of one of our members. Jim Wright joined the waterfront with me in 1974. We worked in the same gang for five years until Jim went down to Webb Dock, where he worked until he retired under WIRA (MIFCO).
Jim was an accomplished pistol shooter who held many titles. He also loved to ride his Harley and loved a punt.
To his wife Bev and his son Sonney, you have the deepest sympathy from everyone on the Melbourne waterfront.
RIP Jim.
Kevin (doc) Fennessy
Union No: 3193
John O'Sullivan: Lucky
I would like to inform the members of the passing of my father 'Lucky' on October 18, 2005. Dad first went to sea in 1947 and was an active and proud member of the SUA for 42 years. His first ship was the Dubbo as a fireman and his last was the Tassi B as peggy. As Dad put it, he was honoured to be elected Delo on more jobs than not. Dad's last ten years were hard ones as he had too many illnesses to mention. Although too ill to get to stop work meetings he still wanted to know what was going on and had strong ideas about which way the Union should be heading. Dad's last few years were spent watching his beloved pigeons win 600 milers and having his ear permanently glued to the TAB phone account. His dry wit will be missed by all those fortunate enough to sail with him. Dad will be missed by his wife Dorrie, daughter Kathleen, his six boys and numerous grandchildren.
See you later Dad.
Garry O'Sullivan,
Union Book 2845
Tom Williams: Battled cancer
It is with deep regret that I inform members of the passing of Tommy Williams. Tom was born in Liverpool in September 1930 and died at his home in Goolwa SA in September 2005, after losing his battle with lung cancer.
Tom went to sea at an early age in British ships before jumping ship in NZ. However he later went back to his native England, only to be nabbed for national service.
That out of the way, and this time with a wife, he emigrated to Australia, in his own words, as a "ten quid pom", arriving on the Stratheden's last trip as a migrant ship.
After his initial job as a rigger at the Port Stanvac refinery, Tom went back to sea where he remained for his working life. Tom cared for his job and he cared for his union and for those of us who sailed with him. We know he often made life a little easier to bear with his sense of humour and quick wit. Tom is survived by his wife Joyce, daughters Susan, Linda and Sandra plus grandchildren. Rest in peace.
Arild Stolpnes,
ex member
Chris Shannon: Big Bloke
It's with deep remorse that I inform the membership of the passing of retired SUA member Chris Shannon (Peggy cum Cook). Chris passed away on the 13th December 2005 after his battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Cathy, daughters Rebecca, Melissa and Amanda, and grandchildren Zac and Taylor, all of whom he adored. Well big bloke, wherever you are, I'll see you there someday. I'm sure I'm heading in the same direction.
Mick Cogan.
Union No4092
Roger Schmitt: Proud Seafarer
November 30 was a sad day in Fremantle as family, friends and comrades from around Australia said their last farewell to Roger, who unexpectedly suffered a fatal haemorrhage.
Roger Jefferson Schmitt: was born in Brisbane on March 20, 1972, to Ursula and Fred. His love for the ocean started at an early age as he and his younger sister Robyn played on the tidal flats around their house in Gladstone and the beaches on Curtis Island, where they made rafts, went fishing and fossicked around the shoreline. He had a keen interest in marine life and became an avid shell collector. A confident SCUBA diver, in his early teens he was awarded the sea scouts highest achievement 'The Queens Scout Award'. He was always aware how fragile the marine environment is and the need to protect it.
During school holidays Roger went to work on trawlers and barges around Gladstone
On completion of secondary school, he went down to the Australian Maritime College to start Pre Sea training, prior to joining the industry. He sailed for some years on the East coast, North Queensland and the New Zealand trade, before packing his bags to relocate to Fremantle where he was employed by Farstad in the offshore, sailing on several of their vessels.
This year he thought it was a good time to lay the foundations for the move out of the forecastle and with industry support was in attendance at Fremantle maritime college, doing his 2nd mates certificate, where he earned the respect of his peers.
Roger had so much more to look forward to. He will be remembered as an honest man and although he had a quiet nature, he was caring and enjoyed meeting people. Those who knew him will remember his excellent understanding of the culinary arts and the effort he put in to achieve the perfect meal.
Roger could have chosen many careers but chose to live his life honouring the call of the ocean.
Ron Pearson
Union No:4594
Ron Robertson: True Gentleman
On behalf of his wife Alicia, it is with the greatest sadness that I report the untimely passing of a true gentleman shipman, Ron Robertson.
Ron was able to help guide the way for many younger seafarers in gaining better understanding of the nature of the industry, his contributions to the shipboard meeting debates helped unify and inspire.
Ron was an inspiration to his shipmates, with his quietly spoken manner and with an ability to debate an issue succinctly. He was able to progress the agenda of the membership in powerfully positive ways.
Before going to sea Ron had served in the army and seen active duty in Vietnam and Papua New Guinea. He rarely spoke of his army service days, but the injustice of what he had witnessed helped galvanise his belief that all people should live in peace. Ron was a pacifist.
He got away to sea in the early seventies and sailed on many ships. In the course of his voyages he circumnavigated the world in both directions twice, east to west to east.
Ron's last 15 years at sea were on board the M.V Kowulka, where he retired from his position as Chief cook in 2000. Ron was a hugely stabilising influence on the SUA/MUA membership and many of his shipmates became good friends; and there became a bond that was considered family among the crew who sailed with Ron.
He was one of the finest gentlemen that I have had the pleasure to sail with.
Vale Ron Robertson.
Peter Tricker
Union number 3455
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