Celebrating Gary Wood He wanted to make the world a better place I met Gary on my first day at work in the Housing Department of Sheffield City Council in 1986. I turned up at the Town Hall, a bit nervous and not knowing where to go and it happened to be Gary who I asked. He didnt just point me in the right direction but took me where I was meant to be. I think I saw him in meetings after that but really got to know him when we both worked on Area 9 on Union Street. I have happy memories of working in a tiny, cramped office with no natural light with Gary, Chris, Chloe and Andy and laughing lots. We spent a lot of time together when we were in the Socialist Workers Party (SWP) selling papers, at meetings and generally harassing people to join the Party! I remember one of my friends at work, an ardent feminist who wasnt too keen on the SWP, but she had a real soft spot for Gary. I think it was because he once cried in a union meeting; he was passionate, cared about people and wanted to make the world a better place. We used to get up at some unearthly hour to sell Socialist Worker at Olive Grove Road Works Department and then back to mine for breakfast. We never sold more than one paper, but it was always fun. When I think of Gary, I think of laughing and messing about, teasing each other. Like the first time we visited Cambridge and he insisted I have a go at punting. Reluctantly, I agreed and we ended up with the punt across the river, blocking anyone else from passing, much to my horror. He loved to remind me (and anyone else) about that. Or when I visited him in Madrid with my friend, Wendy. We went to a Mexican restaurant with a very cheesy live entertainer. Gary just happened to mention to him that it was my birthday and of course, I (a person who hates being the centre of attention) got serenaded. Cringe! Or when we visited him in Oviedo and went to the beach in February. Gary was messing about/showing off for a photo, not realising that the tide was coming in quite quickly. Yes, we did laugh as the waves lapped around his boots. Gary was also someone I could really talk to about anything. I hadnt known him long when my Dad died but he was the most supportive of my friends. He would always get me talking about him when other people didnt know what to say and so said nothing. He really helped me. My son Oscar still has a favourite soft toy (imaginatively called Panda!) that Gary gave him as a baby. He also has fond memories of him, like playing football with him in Millhouses Park and Gary telling him he had no kneecaps (?!!) which Oscar believed until he was 12! Dave liked Gary before he even met him after witnessing me talking to him on the phone and laughing and being happy. I havent seen Gary as often lately because of living in different cities. Whenever I did, though, it was like Id seen him yesterday; easy to talk to and laughing immediately. In these past couple of weeks, Ive been going through shock, disbelief, feeling angry, crying and such sadness. I also feel really glad that I had Gary as a friend for over 30 years and Ive found myself smiling in spite of the sadness because I was usually smiling or laughing when I was with Gary. Joanna Seth We gave management more than a run for their money I was shocked and saddened to here of Garys passing, I always remembered him as the youngest and fittest amongst us when we were giving Sheffield council management more than a run for their money in Unison in the early 90s. A funny and gentle soul with a kind heart, but no mean fighter when it really mattered. Going to be missed by many I am sure! Rest in power comrade. Trevor Goodfield, Sheffield Socialist Workers Party 28 Celebrating_Gary Wood.indd 28 01/04/2019 15:54