Published: 12 Feb 2013
Denis Carlisle, former president of MUNZ's Auckland Branch Local 13, passed away February 5th. MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin has written the following message to the Maritime Union of New Zealand:
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| [Picture: Vale Comrade Denis Carlisle] |
Dear Comrades:
Please relay to everyone there today my deepest condolences and those of the MUA and ITF on Denis's passing.
He was a ceaseless activist and advocate for working men and women and really came into his own firstly as President of the WWF. He was integral to the merging of unions on the Auckland and New Zealand waterfront, and always ensured those mergers were in the best interest of the members he represented. He was a senior official for the Harbour workers, WWF and of course MUNZ and earned great respect in the discharge of his senior responsibilities to the working men and women he represented.
Denis had great humour and loved the social company of his fellow unionists with the same passion he prosecuted their industrial and political interests.
I was fortunate in recent years to work with Denis on the potential merger of MUNZ and the RMT, something we never quite realised notwithstanding everyone's best intentions.
His tough negotiating exterior was matched with a deep humour and love of people and loved a bit of craic as the Irish say, after a long day of work.
He was an honest , hardworking, tough and experienced unionist, and a great comrade and friend and will be missed by all.
He came a long journey from Belfast to Auckland, and from the many unions he so ably represented along that way.
He lies at peace finally, and to Adrienne his wife and your three children Luke Anna and Ciarran who shared his journey and his many friends and comrades there today, please be assured that many here in Australia and around the world extend their deepest sympathies and sincerest best wishes.
Vale Denis, Erin go Bragh. Now at rest.
In unity and sincerely
Paddy Crumlin
MUA Secretary
ITF President
