Bob Dalziel

The Labour Research Department (LRD) is sad to report the death, aged 88, of the honorary president of its executive committee, Bob Dalziel.

Bob was on the LRD executive from 1968 to 1993, and was elected vice-chair in 1972 and chair in 1982.

Following his decision to step down as chair in 1993 he was made the LRD's honorary president, a position he held until his death.

He was a charming and open man, with a deep understanding and care for the trade union movement.

During his period as chair, the LRD made a number of significant advances despite generally worsening conditions for unions. These included an increase in the proportion of national unions affiliated to the LRD, and an extension of the use of new technology in the LRD's research work.

Bob was a member of the AUEW (Foundry Section), a forerunner of Amicus, and served as a shop steward, branch president, district committee education officer and finally divisional organiser, a position he held for 17 years. In the wider trade union movement he served for seven years as the secretary of Ilford Trades Council and was later a delegate to Redbridge Trade Union Council.

He will be sadly missed by all at LRD.