From Anarchist Communist Group and Kate Sharpley Library
April 19, 2023
From ACG:
We are saddened to learn of the deaths of two former subscribers to Organise! magazine of the Anarchist Federation. Some of us remember them from when we were in the Anarchist Communist Federation/Anarchist Federation and when Organise! was a very fine anarchist communist publication.
Roy Emery, long term class struggle anarchist active in South West England. With partner Jan and friend and comrade Geoff Barfoot (who died in 2009) he carried out anarchist propaganda for many years in Somerset. A member of the Direct Action Movement and then Solidarity Federation.
Roy St Pierre of Colne in Lancashire. A long term anti-nuclear, environmental and anti-war campaigner. One of the founders of the Reading Anarchists in the 1960s. As well as subscribing to Organise! Roy sometimes sent donations to support the ACF/AF.
From KSL:
Remembering Roy Emery
We’re sad to pass on news of the death of our comrade Roy Emery. Roy was a good friend to the KSL, as well a long-term supporter of Black Flag and member of the Direct Action Movement and then SolFed. Our comrade MH paid him this tribute: ‘I remember Roy as someone who would stand up for his beliefs. He was dogged in his support of others trying to organise, whether nationally or locally. I can remember pieces Albert pulled together in Black Flag bemoaning the new age hokery in Glastonbury and knew that Roy was the source. That he only had a couple of comrades around him, including his partner Jan, makes his long-standing militancy in a small country town all the more admirable.’
We send our condolences to Roy’s family, friends and comrades.
[Update, 17 April 2023] ‘Scoeman’ on Twitter added this tribute:
‘Roy was the first anarchist I knew, as a Bath schoolboy in the 60’s. A handful of us would meet, discuss and collect copies of Freedom and Anarchy. Like many anarchists at the time, I think Roy theoretically was a pacifist, but the fieriest one I’ve ever met. RIP comrade.’
@Scoeman3
From Peace News:
Ride for Roy: Call for mass bike rides on 18 June
Sadly, our dear friend Roy St Pierre, a cornerstone of Peace News Summer Camp, died on 5 April while cycling through Spain on his way to the UK. There will be a tribute to Roy in our next issue. Roy’s family are calling for mass bike rides in his memory on Sunday 18 June. Please carry peace flags! In Hastings, the ride starts at 2pm at the pier.
Photo: Roy St Pierre in Orihuela, Spain a week before his death (from Roy's Facebook page)
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