Steve was an incredibly dynamic leader, no issue too small to be concerned with, no member too unimportant to be listened to. His transformation of the union in such a short period of time. Never before has the union seemed so inclusive. Steve engineered the union into a strong position for the pay action, ahead. He unified the union in terms of policy and in terms of practical action. He will be remembered for many things, never forgetting campaigning for the union to have a poltical fund for the first time. As we go into action on pay, we mustn't forget his last words to NUT conference only last month - 'Fair Pay For Teachers'. Thanks Steve Ray Sirotkin – Lambeth Joint Secretary
Steve was a committed trade unionist and a really nice man. That he didn't live to finish his work or to enjoy retirement with his family and friends seems so incredibly unfair. Martin Freedman – Ex- NUT Staff
An excellent leader who visited my school Woodfield Infant when he first became general secretary. He will be sorely missed in our pay campaign in which he played such an important role. My sympathies are with all Steve's family friends and colleagues as well as the NUT membership. Marion Halfpenny – Wolverhampton
What a terrible shock to learn of Steve's sudden death. Both as a friend and professional colleague he was always a man of great integrity and warmth. He was clearly committed to the promotion of the interests of his members and through their development achieving the children's potential. Over the years I had many discussions with him about the complementary role of school support staff and teachers and about his international work. We share a platform on occasions including most recently at the Burston Rally in Norfolk. His quiet but firm advocacy of all that is best in teaching leaves a memory of respect which will make a fitting monument for his successors to emulate. I would suggest some kind of award in Steve's name to help his memory live on. It is a sad day. It is hard to realise that we will no longer be able to engage with this open and vigorous personality. It will be harder for Mary and the family, I know, to come to terms with. Chris Kaufman – National Secretary UNITE
As a young teacher who joined the profession as PGCE graduate only three years ago after working in private business, it was a pleasure to be a member of a union with such a sincere, caring, hard working and devoted leader. He appeared to work tirelessly and was championing every childs cause across the world as well as the whole of the UK. What a tragic loss, lets stand up and fight for what Steve believed in because you know he did for you! Long live his memory. Thanks Steve Warren Barns – London East
My deep thoughts are with your family through this traumatic time. A loss of a good man and a great champion for teachers. Paul Drew – Walsall
I was very shocked to hear about the sudden death of Steve Sinnott. Steve was an inspiration and strong advocate for the teaching community nationwide - my condolences go to his family and friends on behalf of our staff. Gill Clist – BLAENAU GWENT
The NUT members at Tong High School in Bradford send condolences to the family and friends of Steve. We were all shocked and saddened by his sudden death. We would like to express our thanks for his leadership and commitment to the members of the Union. Lyn O'Reilly – Bradford
I only met Steve on a handful of occasions but he always greeted me warmly. He came so very recently to a Surrey Division meeting and he was inspirational company. He understood the difficulties faced by the profession more than any other public figure and was passionate in his support for all teachers.He is a great loss to our society. Fred Greaves – Surrey
It is with profound sadness that I write this letter to Steve’s wife, Mary and his children, and to the National Union of Teachers. I, like everyone in the NUT and across the world, are stunned by the sudden death of Steve. For me personally, Steve will be held always in my memory for all his work on human rights and his vehement and vocal protestations of those violations. As president of the Ethiopian Teachers Association, I witnessed Steve’s passionate embrace of global educational rights for children and teachers. Steve and Mary came to an international conference in Addis Ababa, and he brought the promise that NUT and other EI members would work to keep solidarity in the struggle against human rights violations and for the rights of all teachers and trade unionists to have freedom of association. In some of my darkest moments while in prison, I knew I could think of Steve and know how hard he was working for my release. His visits with me while in prison helped sustain me through some very difficult times. When I came to the NUT meeting in April 2003, it was a joy to be with Steve and all the NUT and international leaders, knowing what he and they had done to expedite my release. His passion and commitment never wavered. At the three NUT Conferences I attended, Steve’s excitement around the progress made, albeit limited, and his enthusiasm for keeping the struggle for human rights going was a high standard for everyone. We will all miss Steve enormously, and I especially so. I know you, the leadership and membership, will find the strength to move on and to use your one-day strike to honor Steve’s memory, and I have no doubt that you will prevail. With much sympathy, I remain in solidarity, your friend and colleague. Dr. Taye Woldesmiate – Ethiopian Teachers Association
The NUT has lost one of the most sincere of all its leaders. A man who spoke for all regardless of race or colour, position or lack of it.We will miss Steve dearly and may his soul rest in peace. Leonora Smith – Hillingdon
I met Steve when I was on the National Executive of the AUT and he was Deputy General Secretary of the NUT. When I moved on we continued to keep in touch and I last spoke with him in Brighton last September when we exchanged our latest news. Steve was an inspirational trade union leader. He was also one of the kindest people that I have ever met - a man of absolute integrity. My sympathies lie with his family at this very difficult time. I feel privileged to have known Steve and I thank him for his personal support to me. The trade union movement has lost a great leader. I am very very sad at his untimely death. Penny Holloway – Belfast
Steve was one of UK and I am sure I can say the world's greatest teacher. He tirelessly fought for the enhancement of teachers in the U.K. As Steve moves to a better place I am sure he will be with us in spirit in our fights for a better teaching profession. Raymond Simmonds – Nottingham/Canada
We were totally devastated to hear about the death of Steve Sinnott. It is such a shock to us that it is almost impossible to believe. We just had a wonderful dinner with him during the NUT Conference a few weeks ago. He was a great man and leader. He made everyone in his presence feel important. He was a humanitarian extradinaire. His death is a tragic loss for not only his own country but many countries around the world. He was a stauch fighter for human rights as well as putting an end to insidious poverty. Our regret is that we did not have the chance to get to know Steve better. He always made us feel right at home when we came to the NUT conference. We are very grateful for the close relationship that has exist! ed for many years between NUT and MTA. We realize Steve was one of the biggest factors for developing this close relationship; not only with us but with all he met on the international scene. We cannot even begin to understand how Mary must feel. She is such a special person herself and was a source of strength for Steve to accomplish what he did. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mary. Though our time together has not been long, we feel friendship towards you. We hope happy memories of Steve and the care and concern of friends around the world will bring Mary and her family some comfort at this most difficult time. Anne and Ray Wass. Anne Wass – President of Massachusetts Teachers Association, USA
It has taken a few days since I heard the tragic news of Steve's death before I feel able to comment here. I have been tearful and had a constant lump in my throat He was my General Secretary, but more than that my inspiration to achieve more within the NUT, he never forgot mine or my children's names and often asked me probing questions about my future ambitions within the NUT. It is a sad time for trade unionism. His untimely death was a cruel blow. One I know his family will feel a thousand times harder than myself. I will miss his inspirational speeches and his kind and passionate nature immensely. His work for the NUT in uniting it's factions as well as his outstanding commitment to achieving equality of education for all can best be celebrated by each of us doing our ‘bit’ and living up to his wonderful example. The love of my own family goes out to Mary and her family. Amanda Martin – Portsmouth
A great man of the people. His intelligence will be missed. Andy Gordon – Sandwell
Steve's death is unacceptible for me. His uniqe spirit will remain. His warm attitude to people is unforgetable. My deep condolences to Mary- a wonderful, concerning and loving wife. "shalom ha-ver"(goodby my friend), rest in peace. I'll always remember you. Dorit Hagai – I.T.U Israel
A truly wonderful man. Anon
Taken from the words of 'The Peterloo Massacre' which was sung at the Conference Review in Manchester: "Salute once more these men of yore, who were in conscience true". Steve was one such man and we salute him and his work. Chrissie Smith – South Norfolk + Breckland
Such a great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at present. David Lewis – Merthyr Tydfil
I knew Steve in the 1970s when he participted in regular discussion groups in October Books, Liverpool. He was sharp, funny, insightful and deeply committed to working class politics. A guy, even way back then, who stood out, and destined for great things! Sadly missed. Richard Lyon – West Yorkshire
Sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Lisa Foley – Bradford
Steve's sudden and tragic death is still hard to believe. He will be a huge loss to our Union. He was a true leader, dedicated and committed. Sincere condolences to Steve's wife and family from Chorley Association. Very sad. Clare Kinnaird – Chorley & District
My abiding memory of Steve is from the Anthony Walker Memorial Lecture. His compassion for, and support of, Anthony's Mother and Sister were palpable. Watching Steve that evening I realised that he was a man totally committed to ending inequality and racism. The world is a poorer place without his presence. Our condolences and prayers are with Mary and their family. Ann Ballinger – President, SSTA
I am so sad and shocked to hear of Steve's death. I'm not even an NUT activist, just an NUT supplier. But every time we met, we sang from the same hymn sheet. One Christmas I went to the suppliers Christmas Ball with my colleague Cara who did not really know the NUT nor Steve. Anyway the three of us were chatting away and my colleagues say "Who are you then? Do you work for the NUT?" Everything stopped for about 2 seconds and Steve says "I'm Steve Sinnott and I'm the NUT General Secretary!". And Cara being a bit nonplussed said "I'm Cara and I'm only here for the free food really!". We all looked at one another and burst out laughing. Steve had no airs nor graces. He was just a lovely bloke and will be sadly missed. Tony Horrocks
With deepest sympathy to Steve's family. A great loss to them and to the teaching world. I will remember him as a gentle, inspirational man, who gave us all hope for a better future. Brenda Grand – Birmingham – NUT President 1991-1992
I am so so very sorry to hear this news. I am just qualifying as an NQT and had made my decision to join the NUT due to Steve's commitment and loyalty. I send my heart felt condolences to his family and friends- there are many many people thinking about you all at this very sad time. Kate – Haringey
We are both finding it very difficult to come to terms with the news of Steve's death.He was always cheerful and willing to listen to what you had to say.He always attended the Essex Reception at Conference. Our thoughts are with Mary and all his family at this sad time. Iola and Elspeth – Halstead and District Association
Dearest friends and Colleagues in the NUT! What terrible news. I just got the sad message from Thulas.We are at the Congress of KI in Iceland.I can´t believe it is true.When he greeted the international guests at the NUT Annual Conference he was so dedicated, wanting everyone to settle down and enjoy the company of the Union.Steve was a warm hearted unionist burning for his mission.He always made colleagues feel so important and welcome. He will be greatly missed. .Please give his family our profound condolences. It is a great loss to us all and hard a blow to the NUT in theese difficult times. Our minds and hearts are with Steve´s family and his union. Lillemor Darinder – NLS
I never knew Steve nor ever attended an NUT conference but he always came across as a very genuine man. I feel for his family and hope that the Union can find as effective a replacment. Kevin Cully – Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
I was shocked and saddened by the news of Steve's death. My last memory of him is walking slowly up the 'gauntlet' on the last morning of the Manchester Conference, taking care to take every leaflet and stop and talk to people on the way. This generosity and increasing move to embrace all the different personalities in the NUT is what was taking us forward as a Union. Like others, members at my school will be turning out on force on April 24th as a tribute to him and to this current campaign. Gerald Clark – Camden
I am shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Steve, what a top bloke he was. It was inspiring to work with him and he has done brilliant things for the union and teaching in general. He was passionate about the profession and about the welfare of our children. All the good guys go too quickly. But he has left a legacy and a fired up union. We have worked with Steve for several years and I will never forget him, his soft scouser accent and the twinkle in his eyes. We are so sad here in Bristol. sending love to his family and colleagues. Carol Whiworth – Home Bristol
The news of the untimely death of Steve Sinnott, last weekend, has come to us as a devastating blow. On numerous occasions we witnessed his abilities as an eloquent and charismatic trade union leader, but we knew him also as a friend with a warm personal interest and a very committed fighter for education for all and human and trade union rights. Our close cooperation in supporting our trade union colleagues in Ethiopia has forged a special bond between our two unions. We will miss his dedication, determination and good humour. On behalf of the Algemene Onderwijsbond (AOb) I would like to express our sincere condolences to his wife and children and to all his colleagues from NUT. Walter Dresscher – President of AOb, the Netherlands
At the start of the Powys NUT Division AGM all those present stood to remember both with sadness and pride the life and good works of Steve. He will be sorely missed and was a great advocate for the profession and the Union. Diolch yn fawr Steve. Graham Haslock – Powys
I was on holiday cruising in the Med when the news flashed up on Sky Breaking News. I just could not believe it. He will be greatly missed. I send deepest condolences to his family from the Basildon Association. Neil Finbow – Essex
A great defender of the faith who will be missed. Kay Lingwood – Derbyshire
Amnesty International UK was shocked and saddened to learn of Steve’s passing. We enjoyed working with him immensely and valued his passion and commitment to the struggle for a more just world. He was an ardent opponent of human rights violations around the world and both a supporter and partner of initiatives to thoughtfully enable young people to learn about their rights and their responsibilities to others. We will miss him. Kate Allen, Director, Amnesty International UK
A man of principles, he will be missed. Loy White - North Tyneside
would like to offer condolences, on behalf of the Socialist Educational Association, on the tragic and untimely death of Steve Sinnott. The SEA has always had close links with NUT, through former General Secretaries, Tony Pearce and Malcolm Horne and our Vice President and former National Chair, Max Morris. When new officers took over earlier this year Steve wrote to congratulate us and promise support and cooperation from NUT. It was a short typically warm letter of welcome. Steve was a great campaigner for comprehensive education and colleagues from SEA will miss him and the contribution he made to such an important cause. Richard Sidley - General Secretary, Socialist Educational Association
My thoughts are with your family and close friends at this sad time. A great man who always found time for a quick chat. We have lost one of the best. Charlie Maddy - Ruskin Press
Steve was one of the most sincere and intelligent men I have ever met. He was an excellent role model for all of us and his genuine interest other people's points of view made him into an incredibly popular leader. I feel honoured to have known him and our union has lost a truly great ambassador. I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to Steve's family. Mike Cunningham - Workington Association
It was with great regret that Steve's colleagues in the Isle of Man learned of his sudden death. Steve had many personal friends over here from his time as National Exec member for Lancs and the Isle of Man. I had personally accompanied Steve to many schools and meetingd to meet members and representatives of our Education Dept and Government. Everyone who met Steve was impressed with his energy and enthusiasm and his great scouse sense of humour. He never failed to remember us and we will never fail to remember him. Malcolm Kelly. Hon Treasurer and many years Hon Sec. Malcolm Kelly – Isle of Man
We are shocked to learn about sad demise of Mr. Steve Sinnott, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT). Mr. Sinnott contributed remarkably to the cause of teachers throughout the world. His contribution in the creation of commonwealth teachers group will always be remembered. We convey our condolences to his family, his wife, son and daughter. We pray to God to peace to the departed soul and courage to his family for bearing this irreparable loss. S. Eswaran – Secretary General, All India Primary Teachers’ Federation Board Member – Education International
You will be greatly Missed, the support and Solidarity of the NUT over the years has been vital for our a small union. With Sadness and thanks. Robert Barron – Chair Enfield CYWU
I met Steve on a number of occasions when I was a teaching member of the NUT. His commitment and passion for education was enthusing. He will be sadly missed. Lesley Carr - Lancashire
I met Steve on only a few very brief occasions during my own unions (the FBU)dispute in 2002/3. He offered support to the FBU during some difficult times. He will be sadly missed by his union and the TUC. My thoughts are with his family, friends and comrades. John McGhee - The Fire Brigades Union
What a loss.! Mainly to his wife Mary & family, & my heart goes out to them in their grief. A loss also to our great Union family . My late husband John E.A Williams (EXEC member) had a close bond with Steve & they were both faithful supporters of Everton. Both being "scousers" of course! I send to Mary & his family my deepest condolences & those of the Crewe & Nantwich Retired Teachers Association. C Yvonne Williams - Crewe & Nantwich Retired Teachers Association
We have lost one of the great gentlemen of the Union movement. He always treated me with with warmth and good humour - it was greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. The shock at something so untimely is very hard to accept. My heart goes out to his family. There only comfort, as time passes, is that the good men do lives after them. In Steve's case it will shine in the generations of children to whom he dedicated his entire self. God Bless you Steve and rest in peace. Christopher Longley – College Hill Press
I first met Steve when we were young teachers in Liverpool in the 1970’s. He quickly showed us all how passionately and sincerely he felt about ensuring that both children and his fellow teachers had the finest education system possible. He had an amazing knack of bringing different groupings together and getting them to agree (often without them realising). He was extremely proud of being a Scouser and of course an avid Evertonian. I was proud that he introduced me as a long standing friend. Steve was devoted to Mary, Stephen, Kate and his grandchildren. When we met he always updated me. My heartfelt condolences go to them at this time. I spoke to him at Manchester and he asked after my family. We joked about football, asking me when I was going to move ‘over the park’. He really laughed when I told him that my son now works for Everton. We have been overwhelmed by messages in the Liverpool office with many members saying that we must make a success of the day of action for Steve. We shall miss you Steve, the world is a poorer place for your passing. Sue Jones – Liverpool
On behalf of the GMB Executive and Membership may we express our shock and sadness at the terrible news about Steve. Our sincere condolences to the family ,friends and work colleagues of Steve, a truly remarkable and Unique person. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Steve during the last few years. His loss will be mourned and felt by thousands of people for whom he held up the flame of Hope and Equality against Ignorance and Injustice. I will never forget Steve. Paul Kenny – GMB UNION
Sincere condolences to Mary, Stephen,Kate and all the family from the Officers and Committee in his home town Liverpool NUT Division
Best wishes to Steve's family, friends and colleagues. This is a terrible loss to everyone involved in trade unionism in the UK. John Wood - Greenwich
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Steve Sinnott. In thirty years of active NUT membership Steve was the first President that I had the pleasure to meet at the Welsh Delegates Dinner at the Manchester Conference. It was therefore with extreme sadness and shock I heard of his sudden passing. His achievements and legacy have been well chronicled by the great and the good but on a personal note I am so glad that I was able to shake him by the hand and thank him for all that he had done for teachers and pupils over the many years of dedicated work to education. God Bless You Steve a Diolch am Byth. Debbie Wilcox – RCT
To Mary, Steve and Kate, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this dreadful time. Mary, I often think of when we trained together at Edge Hill and both you and Steve were a huge inspiration to me then and are now in my teaching career. I always remember Steve coming back from London to see the kids before bedtime, just to have to turn around early next morning to return. Thanks for then, and hope you find some peace in your memories now. Love as always. Caroline Richards – Gloucestershire
I am in my second year of teaching and have valued Steve Sinnott's dedication since I have been a member of the NUT. I am sure that his hard work and dedication to the teaching profession will pay off come 24th April. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Best wishes. Rebecca Jenkins – Solihull MBC
All at the Musicians' Union send their deepest condolences to Steve's family and friends and to the officials, staff and members of the NUT. Not just the NUT but the whole trade union movement has lost a major figure and influence and we are all deeply saddened by his untimely death. John F. Smith General Secretary, MU
I have known Steve and Mary for about 30 years, from when he was an eager young Treasurer of the Preston Association and I had to chase him for the membership returns that Treasurers made in those days before computer recorded membership. Steve was always willing to be a friend as well as a colleague to all he worked with, lay officers or officials. He conducted himself with great dignity when this was occasionally not reciprocated. As others have said, he brought unity to the NUT by using all of our talents and energies regardless of policy positions or former differences. He made the Union a better place to work and brought a unity of purpose to our endeavours. On a personal level he was enormously supportive to me at one stage in my career and also when I suffered serious family illness and bereavement. Steve was a man of many parts, proud to be a grandad, fanatical supporter of Everton, passionate about peace, trade union leader in the best sense of the word and at times just a mate who you could have a chat with despite him being "the boss". I remember one evening when we shared a meal and he told me he hoped that he would be able to do something to help achieve world peace - "so you want to start with the easy ones Steve" I said but somehow you knew he did feel he could make a contribution and that it wasn't boastful or egocentric for him to think so. I am proud to have helped run the Union's International Development Courses he inspired and supported by his presence on many occasions, giving up his weekends to be there. It is also important to pay tribute to his work for our colleagues in Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Palestine and Israel and many other countries. When I visited Cuba just before he was elected, the then international secretary of the education union there, Margarita Rodriguez Hernandez, told me how she was hoping for his election because she so admired his international work. I know that colleagues in my region are still shocked and troubled by what has happened, we will miss Steve greatly and it will take some time to come to terms with our loss but our thoughts will be with Mary and the rest of Steve's family who were so important to him. By supporting Christine in leading the Union through the next few weeks we will pay the most practical tribute we can to Steve - ensuring his legacy is built on in the way he would have wanted. He will remain in our memories as a "smashing" friend, colleague and comrade. Andy Woolley – Regional Secretary South West NUT
