In Memoriam "Blessed are the peacemakers"
	John Richard Belcarz 1952 ~ 2003

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Memories & Tributes
from friends, family, colleagues

John Rufh Secretary-Treasurer Local 30403 British Columbia	I met John Belcarz at my first TNG Canada conference. As a new union officer, I was impressed with the ease with which John could take command of issues and convey his passion for his members. I remember thinking as he spoke, "What passion! What commitment!" This is what it takes to be a great union leader. I was fortunate to know the man, and I know I am a better person for sharing time with him. We are all richer for knowing him. Our Local sends our deepest Sympathies to his family, and hope they have the strength for today and comfort in the days ahead.
Lesley Phillips President TNG-CWA 31032 Boston	Principled, enthusiastic, warm and 100-per-cent genuine — John was all that and more to this south-of-the-border admirer and fan. I am deeply saddened at word of his passing and my sincere sympathy and gentle thoughts go with his family, friends and all my Canadian brothers and sisters who are mourning his loss. May John be forever in the Light and Comfort of the One.
Bernie Lunzer Secretary-Treasurer, The Newspaper Guild	John was one of those rare people. Because he was such a good man — a genuine friend and as principled as they come — he was a great man. It's all too common to trot out clichés, to glorify someone when they're gone. John, however, was the real deal. He was creative, dedicated and methodical in his Guild work. It was a calling to John. He would work us over on issues, always looking for the full picture and new ideas. Often it was his original approach that turned out to be the best path. On both a personal level, and in the work of the Guild, John's passion for fairness and his ability to fight for it will be missed.
Lauria Lynch-German President Milwaukee Newspaper Guild	The first time I saw John he was cackling away about a blooper I made at the microphone in Orlando. I could see his eyes dancing with good humour and warmth. At the first break he came over and teased me unmercifully about the blooper. He then demanded to know what exactly were the problems in my local, what were the burning issues and how we were going to fix them. That was the beginning of our too-brief friendship. Several times in the last few years, when things got tough in Milwaukee, John was there as an ear to bend and good advice followed. Always. He never turned down a phone call, never gave short-shrift to his answers and made himself available to all. He provided an example of leadership and humanity we should strive to emulate and carry on as a tribute to a man who left little undone in his brief life. To his wife Mary, sons Mark and Paul, to his family at the Montreal Newspaper Guild and his extended family through the labour movement in Canada, our deepest sympathies on the passing of an extraordinary man. Have no doubt — if there is a need — he'll soon begin organizing the angels and cutting God's own good deal. As only he could.
Lise Lareau National President Canadian Media Guild	John Belcarz will be missed well beyond his home union, the Montreal Newspaper Guild. John was such a spirited guy — his battle-ready attitude was infectious. It motivated me and inspired many others in my union, the Canadian Media Guild. It's such a crying shame that his time was cut so short so quickly. It feels like the Guild has lost a coach, a founding partner and a trusted colleague all in one. The Guild in Canada feels like a much different place with John missing from the meeting table.
R. Ray Rudersdorfer President, TNG/CWA Local 30403 British Columbia	I first met John in 1981 when, as an ITU representative, I was assigned to Montreal to assist in negotiating a first collective agreement for a group of inside classified department employees organized by the Montreal Typographical local at the Gazette. Because this was a traditional Guild unit, I had some difficulty getting support from local Guild officers. However, John took the Trade Union approach. His comment to me was: "The ITU did what we should have done long ago; if you need help give me a call." He was true to his word. He even came to a meeting of the membership to show his support which meant a lot since there was some friction between the different unions at the Gazette at that time. John showed courage, determination and leadership. He will be missed. Our fondest thoughts are with him and our prayers are with his family.
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