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From The Socialist, No. 15, 17 May 1997.
Transcribed by Iain Dalton.
Marked up by Einde O’Callaghan for the Encyclopaedia of Trotskyism On-Line (ETOL).
BRIGHTON SOCIALIST Party members were shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rod Fitch.
Rod moved to Northampton some years ago although he always looked us up when he came back to visit his family.
Rod was a tireless fighter on behalf of the working class. He was active as a supporter of Militant [Ed.: now Socialist Party] in Brighton Kemptown Labour Party and became its parliamentary candidate in 1983. Standing on socialist policies Rod achieved the best vote for Labour in a region which saw the biggest swing to the Tories after the Falklands’ War victory. He received a tumultuous standing ovation from hundreds of supporters at the count. He was source of inspiration to us all.
Perhaps Rod will be best remembered for his anti-fascist work. Rod was able to bring together representatives of our local Jewish and Asiacommunities with the labour movement. The growth of the fascists and their intimidatory marches and public sale of racist literature was dispersed and brought to an end by the large mobilisations of anti-fascists which Rod organised.
Rod will be sadly missed and remembered with affection here in Brighton. Our condolences and deepest sympathy to his family.
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Last updated: 20 August 2016