- RSW 03 Page 16 -
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John Hale died unexpectedly on November 12th 1998. He was aged just 37. He had been an animal rights campaigner and anarchist for many years. He was in many senses an ‘ordinary’ activist not a leader. All those involved in the Hunt Sabs movement in Exeter from around 1984 knew John as a warm, intelligent and likeable bloke. He did not intimidate people with his intelligence or use it to gain prestige. He had a good sense of humour as was illustrated by his unwavering support for Notts County. He took his stand on animal rights very seriously and remained a vegan even as many old friends steadily drifted into a less rigorous vegetarianism. He was always willing to get involved in anti-fascist activity even though he was something short of being a bruiser himself. He took an active part in the Anti-Poll tax movement: this notorious photo of his involvement in the burning of the Union Jack taken from the Exeter Guildhall at the first large Anti-Poll Tax demo depicts him having fun. He had great sympathy for the dispossessed and used his social work qualification to work in the voluntary sector with homeless people and later those coming out of prison. John is already being missed, not only by his 3 cildren and his partner, Sarah, but also by his many friends. Working in the voluntary sector has few financial benefits and he died without any pension rights. Friends have set up a fund. If you knew John and wish to contribute the account is a Co-operative Bank account in the names of Mr B. A. Cassidy and Mr. P. Stubbs, sort code 08-93-00, account number 171-874-53.