Gone but not forgotten: George Woznicki

Today it is a year since George (Jerzy) Woznicki died of cancer aged 44.

George was a dedicated UNISON shop steward and safety rep.

He is sorely missed and we still find it hard to believe he has gone. On the 18 October it is his birthday and on the Friday afterwards a few of us will celebrate his birthday in the usual manner (beer and curry).

Our thoughts today are with his wife, Sue and their children, Eddie and Gemma.

Here is my tribute to George at the time.

George Woznicki – A Tribute

I would like to say a few words about George, from the perspective of someone who felt himself privileged to call George a friend, but also a work colleague and a fellow activist in the trade union UNISON.

George’s best friend, however, without a shadow of doubt, is his wife Susan. His friendship and love for Susan and his children, Eddie and Gemma, was obvious to anyone who knew him.

However, George also had many, many other friends. This was because he was compassionate, like able, funny, generous and very, very honest (sometimes too honest). But also he was loyal.

All of his friends will miss him.

George also cared about his work with the Council. Whether as a caretaker, a Housing Patrol officer or finally as a repairs inspector. He really believed in the concept of public service; and working hard for the people of Tower Hamlets. He did not like letting people down or people receiving poor quality or shoddy services.

George was also passionate about his role as UNISON trade union Steward and Safety Rep and was always prepared to fight other people’s battles. There are a lot of people who are very grateful to him for his courage and kindness.

My most vivid memory of George is when during the last local Council election, George and I, were part of Unison team, distributing anti-British National Party leaflets amongst some non-lifted residential blocks in Mile End and Globe Town ward.

We got separated from the rest of the team and in a cul-de-sac; we came across a group of BNP skinheads delivering their leaflets of hate.

George or rather Jerzy (pronounced Eu-rik) was of course the Slavic son of a Polish emigre. Remember, the fascists use to describe the Poles as being a “slave race”; George strode up to the BNP, stood his ground and starred them out, standing proud and contemptuous.

They walked around him without saying a word and quickly disappeared. Ironically one reason why the present day representatives of the so-called “master race” didn’t cause any trouble; was because they were so obviously knackered from walking up and down the communal stairs!

However, George was also an “individual” and a free thinker. He was proud to call himself a Socialist, while at the same time fondly recalling his service as a London rifleman in the Territorial Army.

Today, those of us who were honoured to know him, pay tribute and mourn him. Later today in Bow we will also begin to celebrate his life. However, now I want to say on behalf of all of us is - goodbye George: Sue’s beloved husband, Eddie & Gemma’s beloved Daddy, a beloved Brother, our friend, my mate, my Comrade. Goodbye George.

Finally, a very short poem by Joyce Grenfell, which I think George would have thought appropriate today.

Its Title is: -

Life Goes On

If I should go before the rest of you
Break not a flower
Nor inscribe a stone
Nor when I am gone
Speak in a Sunday voice
But be the usual selves
That I have known

Weep if you must
Parting is hell
But life goes on
So .... sing as well

Goodbye.