Jerry Deneau, former Secretary Treasurer of the GCIU and GCC-IBT
Former GPMU General Secretary and Unite DGS, Tony Dubbins has notified me of the death of Jerry Deneau, a long standing friend and comrade of the Graphical, Paper and Media Union and Uni Graphical.
Jerry was the former GCC/IBT (Graphic Arts Sector of the Teamsters) Secretary-Treasurer having served as a Graphic Arts and Communications International Union Vice President from 1988 until his election to GCIU Secretary-Treasurer in June 1996 a post he held until his retirement in October 2005.
Jerry died on Sunday, June 3rd, in a motorcycle accident while participating in a timed motorcycle ride at Wilmington Air Park in Ohio, USA. It is believed that he had a medical emergency. He was 73 years old. His funeral took place on June 19th.
Jerry was a good friend of the Graphical, Paper & Media Union in the UK and Ireland – now part of the UK’s biggest union, Unite.
The GPMU worked closely with Jerry on many issues including our work in the international organisation, Union Network International, especially on a campaign to organise non-union plants owned by the giant print corporation Quebecor.
Jerry was an internationalist. He always held a vision of strong international trade union links to ensure that working people and their families enjoyed decent standards of living and secure and safe employment – wherever they worked.
He met many of UK print workers over the years, visited print factories and attended meetings, always happy to share experiences, provide wise advice and support his fellow trade unionists.
His passion for motorcycles and jazz were as strong as his passion for politics and trade unionism.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences go to his wife Georgi and his family.
It was a privilege to have worked with him and known him.
Sympathy messages and cards can be sent to Georgie Deneau, 7753 Black Horse Court, Manassas, VA, USA 22110
Messages of sympathy and remembrance can also be posted here.
Tony Burke
Unite Assistant General Secretary
I liked Jerry. I had the chance to work with him for a few years while we negotiated a global agreement with Quebecor. He had a good sense of international solidarity and made a great contribution to what was a breakthrough agreement for UNI Global Union. Nice man. Philip Bowyer, former DGS UNI Global Union
he was also a most wonderful brother!