Farewell, Bob Doyle
—comrade, anti-fascist fighter, and worker for some great causes
by Lynda Walker
Our friend Bob Doyle has gone, but he has left us with fine memories of a loving and strong comrade. Over the past few years he answered the many calls to come to Ireland for events relating to the anti-fascist war in Spain. But in fact he made it known that these were not just a history of nostalgic politics, and each and every one of his speeches was directed against the capitalist system, past and present.
On his last visit to he came to Lurgan and Belfast, where, along with Jack Edwards, he was enthusiastically welcomed. Anyone who has not read Bob’s book, Brigadista, should make the effort to do so, as it is not only a damming indictment of the poverty and the system that created a hell on earth for the working class but is also an inspiration to those who want to join a struggle for a just and communistic society. He writes also about his political education and quotes George Gilmore: “We learnt our political theory in prison cells, or on the end of a Blueshirt baton.”
Bob is the last known surviving Irish combatant of the 15th International Brigade (there still being one other Irishman who was in the ambulance service). We have had the pleasure and privilege of knowing many other wonderful comrades who fought in the anti fascist war.
Bob touched many lives, inspired many people. He had a good sense of humour, as well as a sense of justice; he was honest and forthright, but not imposing. It is difficult to summarise the worth of Bob, but, in the words of Jimmy Nolan, Bob was a real and true working-class hero.
Bob Doyle—comrade, anti-fascist fighter, and worker for some great causes—we will remember you with pride and love.
“A person’s dearest possession is life. It is given to them but once, and they must live it so as to feel no torturing regrets for wasted years, never know the burning shame of a mean and petty past; so live that, dying, they might say: All my life, all my strength were given to the finest cause in all the world: the fight for the liberation of humanity. (Nikolai Ostrovski) |