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

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Memories & Tributes
from friends, family, colleagues

Fédération nationale des communications (FNC-CSN)	MONTREAL, le 21 oct. / CNW Telbec / Décès du président de la Montreal Newspaper Guild, une perte considérable pour le monde syndical et journalistique Death of the Montreal Newspaper Guild President a considerable loss for the union and journalistic worlds La Fédération nationale des communications/CSN has learned with regret about the death of a great union militant, John Belcarz, President of the Montreal Newspaper Guild. The President of FNC, Chantale Larouche, wishes to recognize the colossal work of this unionist, who has constantly defended his colleagues at The Gazette, and promoted an exemplary solidarity between information workers in Quebec, and between our two organizations. His concerns for justice, his righteousness and his passion for human rights made him a fierce defender, not only of communications workers, but also of the fundamental right of the public to be informed. His commitment, his determination and his vast knowledge have helped advance work relations in the communications sector, and the freedom of the press. John Belcarz did all he could to reach his goals and with great generosity. The Fédération nationale des communications joins all his colleagues and friends to offer John's family and relatives its most sincere condolences.
Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ)	MONTREAL, le 20 oct. / CNW Telbec / Décès d'un fervent défenseur de la liberté de presse Death of a great fighter for freedom of the press La Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ) joins colleagues and friends of John Belcarz, president of the Montreal Newspaper Guild, to underline the death of a formidable defender of the freedom of the press and a great union militant who, despite his battle with cancer, defended the rights of The Gazette's information workers to the end, as he's done for more than 20 years. On behalf of its members and leaders, the FTQ wishes to offer John's family and friends its most sincere condolences.
Dan Oldfield Senior Staff Representative Canadian Media Guild	I am deeply sorry to hear about our friend in Montreal. John was a good, honest man who was clearly dedicated to his members and his family. We had a lot of good laughs over the years, once playing lumberjacks and singing the Monty Python lumberjack song at a Guild convention. It was that year that we made Chuck Dale an honourary Canadian. John always had a smile, even in some of the tougher times. He's one of those guys whose laughs you can easily remember. He was also a leader who led by example. Of course there are no others like him, never will be, and he will be deeply missed.
David Wilson TNG Canada Staff Representative	I first met John while he was waiting in the wings for an opportunity to become President of the Montreal Newspaper Guild. He eventually did run for President with the whole-hearted support of the membership. He took over a Local that was strong and active. He carried on that fine tradition of leading by example, fighting the good fight and not compromising his or the Local's principles. There were many ups and downs, but through it all the Montreal Newspaper Guild under the leadership of John was a force to be reckoned with. But what I admired most about John was that he was a family man first and foremost. His wife Mary and the two boys were always front and centre. It is a rare person that can deal with his own work-related issues plus that of hundreds of others and still hold on to one's sanity. That sanity was John's family. My thoughts go to Mary and the boys. John will be missed by all.
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