A Tribute to Paul Williamson

- By Darlene Dziewit, MFL President

On December 23, 2007, Brother Paul Williamson died at his home. Everyone knew that Paul was very ill. He had been battling cancer for a long time. Nevertheless, I was surprised at Paul's passing. I guess that was because Paul refused to give in to his illness.

Even sitting in his wheelchair, with his medication strapped to its back, Paul continued his work at the NDP provincial office. After a while I stopped thinking about Paul being sick, because he never saw himself that way. Paul was just Paul. He was smart and funny, and he was cranky and frustrating. Lovable and stubborn, too. The best damn Campaign Manager around, I might add. Paul was all that, and more. There was nothing simple about that man.

Paul Williamson had some pretty hard times in his life. Not that he would see it that way. Whenever he stumbled, he would just pick himself up and keep going. Somehow, Paul always managed to right himself, although 'right' would not be a word normally associated with Brother Paul, the dyed in the wool socialist.

At the very centre of Paul's life was his family, and particularly his grandchildren. Being a grandmother myself, Paul and I had opportunities to compare "my grandkids are so smart" stories. Paul's face just lit up when he talked about those grandchildren of his. He so looked forward to each and every visit with them.

Paul's concept of family included more than just his relationship to those related to him by blood, though - Paul also considered his sisters and brothers in the labour movement and his beloved NDP as family, as well. The Party was his 'work' home, and his volunteer work on behalf of his sisters in COPE kept him connected to his philosophical family.

Even when Paul was at his most crusty and frustrating, you knew that this was due to his overwhelming need to help those he believed needed it. It was hard to fight with the man. Disagree, yes - fight, no.

So, we all came together for Paul's memorial service on December 29. To absolutely no one's surprise, the room was packed, with standing room only. It was a who's who of our movement who were in attendance.

We heard from Paul's family and friends about the kind of human being he was. To be sure, it was nice to reminisce, but no one needed to be reminded that Paul was one of a kind, with a heart as big as the world. We already knew that. That's why we were all there.

Paul, we will miss you.

Well done, Brother, well done.