Eric Atkinson:
1928-2012
By Tommy Kane
Scottish communist Eric Atkinson (March 26 1928-March 5 2012) was a fearless, committed and formidable political activist.
Renowned and respected by friend and foe alike, Eric (pictured) remained unswerving in his belief in the need for a world free of war, poverty, inequality and injustice.
A communist to his core, Eric was well versed in socialist teachings. But it was the harsh climate of industrial West Lothian in the 1930s and 1940s that shaped his worldview, as Eric observed and experienced the clear class division which existed then - and of course which still exists in Britain today.
Born in Uphall Station, West Lothian in 1928 Eric's upbringing was steeped in political activism.
His father was a prominent Labour activist and one-time election agent for Manny Shinwell. However, Eric did not follow his father into the Labour Party, instead simultaneously joining the Young Communist League and Communist Party in the late 1940s, remaining a Communist until his death after a long illness last week.
In his many years of activity Eric held a number of positions in the party.
He was Scottish treasurer of the Communist Party till 1990, a national officer of the party as national fund organiser between 1985 and 1988 and began his life as a party organiser for Lanarkshire and Lothians in the 1960s.
For many years he was secretary of the then-vibrant West Lothian Area and a member of the Scottish committee.
He was and remained a firm supporter of the Morning Star and was a local fundraiser for the paper throughout his life.
Eric's political activity was not confined to the big issues of the day. His relentless activity was also firmly rooted in his community in Bathgate where he settled with his wife Marjorie and four daughters.
Eric implicitly understood that political struggle took place at many levels and that theory without practice and vice versa were futile.
He led from the front in that regard, being as committed to working in Bathgate Community Council as he was to fighting the national and international injustices which he spent much of his life railing against.
Being such a vigorous and active Communist Party activist meant Eric travelled the length and breadth of the country, becoming a recognisable figure in communist and socialist circles.
Given his level of activity it was essential that Eric had a loving and supportive wife. Marjorie Atkinson was the pillar from which Eric drew strength and it was she who enabled Eric to become the political organiser that he was.
Without that support from Marjorie and his four daughters, of whom he was so proud, Eric simply would not have flourished in the way that he did.
Being a political organiser in the Communist Party brought great satisfaction for Eric and to his last days he was rightly proud of his contribution to the class struggle.
It was however an occasionally difficult life, a fact exemplified by Eric struggling to find normal work in his occupation as a glazier. Indeed Eric was rejected for work so often it became obvious he was on a blacklist as a result of his political activities.
Further evidence for Eric - not that he needed it - of the nature of class struggle.
Eric Atkinson lived a life worth living. His contribution was immense and influenced many, many people. Elected representatives, political activists, trade union leaders and others listened and paid heed to his wise counsel.
A unique man, he embodied all that is good about our movement. Warm, effervescent and humorous on the one hand, he was serious, disciplined and dedicated on the other.
He will be missed, but his spirit will live on in the multitude of people who he knew.
Eric is survived by his daughters Maureen, Shelagh, Margaret and Carol and five grandchildren.
