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CHARLEY RICHARDSON Obituary
Of Jamaica Plain, age 60, passed away on May 4 after a 6-year battle with cancer. Long-time activist for economic and social justice and peace, Charley worked for decades in the labor movement - at UMass-Lowell Labor Extension Program, the United Steelworkers International Union and other unions nationally and internationally - and was co-founder of Military Families Speak Out. Enthusiastic outdoor adventurer who loved hiking, biking, sledding, climbing, kayaking and introducing children to the outdoors. Charley was known for using duct tape to fix anything, his signature handlebar mustache, his quick wit, loving spirit and delight in entertaining children of all ages. Beloved and eternal soul-mate of Nancy Lessin; loving parent of Nick and Joe Richardson, Nikki Rivera and Nina Lessin-Joseph; awesome grandfather to Anabel, Kai and Teo. Also survived by parents Pete and Corinne Richardson, sister Marcie Richardson, brothers Chris, Peter and John Richardson, and extended family, in-laws and out-laws of all sorts. Charley will also be deeply missed by thousands of trade unionists and peace activists across the country and around the world. Memorial service in Boston being planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Steelworkers Humanity Fund, Labor Notes, Iraq Veterans Against the War and U.S. Labor Against the War.
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Memories and Condolences
for CHARLEY RICHARDSON
Bruce Carr
July 3, 2013
I am crushed by this news, and yet it is good to learn that his efforts have been so far reaching and touched so many. My thoughts are with his family.
Ken Galdston
June 9, 2013
Charley was a wonderful resource for workers and the community in fighting plant closings and unjust working conditions.
His work as a resource for the Merrimack Valley Project was a great opportunity to get to know him as a talented, thoughtful, energized, and committed force for good, with such a great sense of humor and spirit!
We are saddened to learn of his passing and our loss.
Ken Galdston
May 21, 2013
Charley never stopped. He was what an activist looks like, sounds like and acts like. He was the real deal, a role model who lived his politics every day. Absolute condolences and solidarity to Nancy and their family.
Pat Van Horne,
Ottawa
May 16, 2013
Irreplaceable, unforgettable...Charley. Nancy, sending you love energy and gratitude for the enduring imprint you and Charley made on so many lives, so many hearts. Thank you, thank you.
Judy Linehan, Olympia, WA
AFGE-NCFLL Local 948
May 14, 2013
We all at AFGE Local 948 told stories of great trainings we had with Charley at or May 8th general meeting. Paul Tracy, Carol Bates, Pamela Martin-Mitchell and Marty Scanlon share stories about many good time shared with Charley's. He is our friend, educator, inspeiration and great unionist who will always be a living spirit for our Local. Our thoughts are with you Nancy and your family.
May 14, 2013
We held a moment of silence for Charlie at the Steelworker Toronto Area Council meeting on May 13th. Mike Seward spoke movingly of Charlie's enormous contributions to the anti-war,social justice and workers movements. He was a true working class hero and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with you Nancy and we are sending a contribution to Iraq Veterans Against the War in his memory.
Carolyn Egan
Therese O'Donnell
May 13, 2013
We will always remember Charley...thank you Charley for all you did to make this a better worlds
Loretta Reinersmann
May 12, 2013
We lost a leader, but are enriched by those he touched to carry on his work. Loving thoughts to the family.
Elyse Cann
May 12, 2013
Charley was an inspiration to workers and peace activists everywhere. Thinking of you Nancy.
Leslie Cagan
May 12, 2013
A force of nature...hard to imagine Charley is gone. Of course, in so many ways, he will always be with us.
Mike Williams
May 12, 2013
Charley never stopped working towards the goal of making the world a better place for the working class. In my opinion his courage and determination are on par with some of the most iconic leaders for social justice and peace our world has ever known. I admire his dedication to the service of others above one's self and the legacy he established in that regard.
Garret Virchick
May 12, 2013
I remember when Charlie came to Fenway High School with a member of Iraq veterans against the war. It is not easy capturing the attention of of an auditorium of high school students. But there wasn't a sound during the presentation and great questions followed as Charley painted a picture imperialist war. As he did throughout his life, Charley changed the world that day and educated the next generation. Charley Richardson, Presente!
Mary Regan
May 12, 2013
Charlie will live on in all who struggle for peace and justice.
Shirley Young
May 12, 2013
Charley's spirit will always be with those of us who were fortunate enough to know him.
Sean Sweeney
May 12, 2013
Charley -- i remember you on the treadmill looking fit and well. Nancy, thinking of you these days....
Carol Landry
May 11, 2013
To a wonderful man who gave so much of himself to working families in the US and Canada. Charley will live on in the memories of everyone whose lives he touched. Charley was a great union educator and in his memory, we will carry on that work.
May 11, 2013
The struggle continues without Charley being physically present. His spirit continues to inspire so many.
Tess Ewing
May 11, 2013
Charley will always be remembered with love and appreciation for all he did
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