Messages of Condolence and Memories of Gerry Steinberg
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On 6th Jun 2024 112:24 PM
Brian Reid Calling from: Glasgow Wrote: I have only today learnt of Gerry's death and to say I'm shocked is an understatement. He truly was a fantastic man, friend and MP. I first knew Gerry through my dad Tom Reid who stood with Gerry as a councillor. I can remember campaigning for the two back in '76 Gerry got elected my dad didn't. I've so many great memories of Gerry and the Labour Party. His influence helped me to form my opinions. My condolences to all his family.
On 23rd Jan 2016 4:33 PM
David and Brenda Clelland Calling from: Gateshead Wrote:
Gerry was a dear and loyal friend we spent many happy times with Gerry and Meg who were our best man and maid of honour at our wedding in Cyprus we were with him soon before he tragically died and we will miss him always RIP Gerry
On 4th Sep 2015 11:35 AM
Vin and Pat McIntyre Calling from: Durham City Wrote: We were shocked and saddened to hear that Gerry had died. We didn't always see exactly eye to eye politically but, unlike many people in political life, he never allowed that to damage personal trust and friendship. And he possessed another rare gift, the ability to apologise when he found he had been mistaken on some fact or issue. We well remember his great support for Anti-Apartheid and Peace Action Durham. As Labour Group leader on Durham City Council, he went far beyond what might have been expected in providing concrete aid and facilities to the Durham Miners' Support Group in the 1984-5 strike and helping to supply over 800 families in the Constituency with a food parcel every week. Our new hospital, the Passport Office and Prince Bishop's Shopping Centre all stand as monuments to his vigorous work 'behind the scenes'. And Vin's 6-month stint as his maternity-leave cover office secretary provided ample evidence, if such was needed, of the extent to which he went out of his way to deal with issues brought to him by constituents. Pat was Gerry's main contender when he was selected as the candidate to fight for the Durham parliamentary seat in 1985 but neither of us have ever had any doubt that Durham gained a great MP. Love to Meg, Lyanne and Harry.
On 3rd Sep 2015 7:48 PM
Mike Syer Calling from: Bowburn Wrote:Gerry was a superb MP, councillor and CLP secretary. (He was a good bloke, too!) I'm proud to have known him. He will be long be remembered with respect and affection. Thanks, Gerry. RIP.
On 3rd Sep 2015 6:35 PM
Sophie Ward Calling from: Newton Hall Wrote: Gerry, you were an excellent MP and will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know you.
On 2nd Sep 2015 3:25 PM
CHRIS MULLIN Calling from: Callaly, Northumberland Wrote: So sorry to hear about Gerry, a former colleague and friend whose company I always enjoyed. My condolences to his family.
On 24th Aug 2015 6:05 PM
Michael Johnson Calling from: Penrith Cumbria Wrote: Very sad to hear of Gerry's death and send my heartfelt condolences to Margaret and her family. I will always remember a Conference Gerry and I attended in Eastbourne while members of Durham City Council. I went to see the film Rambo and Gerry said he would come and have a snooze. He sat on the edge of his seat gripping my arm throughout!!! Lovely guy great people's MP. Sad you are gone
On 24th Aug 2015 1:50 PM
Richard (Jack) Leech Calling from: Leeds Wrote:Sylvia and I were so very sorry to hear the news about Gerry. Sadly we had lost touch somewhat over the last few years so we were unaware of Gerrys illness,it must have been a very tough time for you all.
My first memory of Gerry is one of a bunch of fresh faced young lads who met for the first time 1963 in Southbourne Hall Sheffield, four of us the very first evening strolling down to the Nursery Tavern for the first of many visits. Gerry was instantly such a likeable lad that we became great friends and I have many good memories of our time in Sheffield.
Several epic hitch hiking contests around the country, Gerry in the lorry that blew over on the way to Manchester, trips up to Roker Park, queuing overnight for cup tickets, several very lively 21st celebrations, kipping on the floor at Hawthorn Terrace, so called Sports trips to the Isle of Man, Gerry turning out for the rugby team, etc etc. Slightly more sedate but none the less very enjoyable reunion get-togethers since then. A memorable day with Gerry in the "House" when he also got us into the Public Accounts Committee and witnessed the "jiggery-pokery" jibe to Prince Charles's accountants which made headlines the following day.
Lots of wonderful memories of a great character and a much loved friend.
Our very sincere condolences to Meg and to the family.
Jack and Sylvia
On 23rd Aug 2015 3:37 P
Darren hughff Calling from: Bilbao Spain Wrote: Sorry to hear about the passing of Gerry. A fantastic and caring bloke who was a fantastic MP and with a great and supportive family.
On 23rd Aug 2015 3:31 PM
Willy Charlton Calling from: Newbrough Wrote: So sad to learn of Gerry's passing. My sincere condolences to Meg and family.
He was a grand lad, especially to play cricket with, always one hundred percent. We had some great times,Blacky. Garth, Hodge,Cardew and the rest.
Cheerio old mate!
Willy Charlton, former chairman: Newbrough Cricket Club and ex coal miner.
On 23rd Aug 2015 1:43 PM
Jeff Palmer Calling from: Durham City Wrote:This is very sad news. I have known Gerry for years (he once read out a letter I had written to him in Parliament). A great MP for Durham and a very nice man. He will be missed by all.
On 23rd Aug 2015 1:38 PM
Michael Charlton Calling from: Central Northumberland Wrote: Played cricket with Gerry in the 60's (At Newbrough) A quick bowler & useful bat, more importantly, a great bloke..Will always by fondly remembered by all the Newbrough cricketers.
Very sad for your loss Meg. Love, Mick Charlton
On 22nd Aug 2015 11:28 PM
Mike Newton Calling from:Lincoln Wrote: Gerry was a good friend in our student days in Sheffield. It was pleasing that he remained true to himself throughout the years. Our thoughts are with Meg and the family
On 22nd Aug 2015 9:16 PM
Keith Turner Calling from: Thornley, Durham Wrote: I have fond memories of Gerry Steinberg who I found to be a genuine caring person. He helped me and my family on certain issues we had over the years. We would like give our condolences to the family.
Keith and Daisy Turner and family.
On 21st Aug 2015 2:15 PM
Patrick Nethercot Calling from: Durham City Wrote: I was shocked and saddened by the news of Gerry's death, especially as he and I had been chatting over coffee (and goading each other with banter as usual) only a month or so earlier and making plans to meet up with his great friend Eric Martlew.
It was over 20 years ago now that as the CLP's IT Officer, I suggested to Gerry that he should have a website. He gave me the go-ahead. It turned out that as far as I can tell, he was the first MP to have one. It certainly made national news. He told me that other MPs were asking him about it, and he told them "It's just something I knock up at weekends." Soon of course he had to come clean. :-)
There are so many memories of Gerry. Certainly the highlight of CLP meetings was his parliamentary report which always contained some eagerly anticipated juicy snippets of parliamentary gossip.
There was no 'side' to Gerry, he said what he meant, and meant what he said. You knew where you stood. That applied in Parliament too, as the collection of 'Gerryisms' shows. He was never one just to toe the party line when it went against his principles. When friends made mistakes, he told them bluntly exactly what he thought, but always stood by them. A loyal and honest man of principle to the end.
I owe him a great debt and will miss my friend greatly.
My sincere condolences to Meg, Harry, Lyanne and the family.
