AN APPRECIATION OF ADRIAN SCOTT

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: september 2021 :: RMTnews 25 A drian Scott, the personal assistant to three RMT general secretaries, passed away in July. Adrian’s partner Julie said that RMT was never just a job for Ade, it was a vocation, a way of life. “His love for the union was helped by the fact that he was working with people who pretty much shared his beliefs and the friends that he made there were the closest he’d ever had, truly friends for life. “The decision to retire in 2019 was not an easy one but Ade knew that it was the right time, both for him and the union but he never lost touch with his many friends and, even when he was feeling awful after another round of treatment, a phone call and a chat with one or other would lift his spirits and soon have him laughing again”. Adrian left school at 16 and joined the Post Office - a surprising choice for someone who didn’t like early mornings and wasn’t too keen on walking. It was here that he first came across a trade union and joining on his first day in the job. He stayed at the Post Office for several years and was involved in the work of the union. During that time, he studied part time for a BA Honours in Art History and Modern Art from the Open University. He joined what was then the NUR in November 1988. Speaking at the wake former Industrial Relations manager Kevin Carey said that Adrian was a ‘character’ that gave everyone lots of fun and laughter at the union. “Adrian was a much-loved person and all who met him will remember his continuous micky taking and, of course, he got as good as he gave and it made for many a hilarious moment. “Adrian’s passions were food, football and jazz, all of which he shared with his wife Julie. He was a Chelsea supporter and being a successful club, did he let us know. He reminded us constantly that they were the winners of the champions league and, thankfully, he got to see them win it a second time but not me or the rest of us who support ‘lesser’ teams because he never ceased to tell is how rubbish we all were. “On food he was an unashamedly champagne socialist. His go-to put down to me was to say the Chardonnay and smoked salmon at the Bridge were lovely. And then ask how my cold pie and warm lager was at the Den. Oh how we laughed! “Adrian loved his Jazz, a form of music that sends me to sleep – so another thing for him to wind me and others up on. I’d tell him that jazz was one tune and that the words to every song were the same. He took great exception and bought me a 10 CD set of jazz classics for my 60th, so kind! “He would come into our department and basically cause mayhem and havoc for 15 minutes. His laugh was loud, high pitched and infectious. “He had no malice, he was an interesting guy, he was fun to be around, he was the entertainment on staff outings and Christmas meals even if he never meant to be. I can honestly say that everyone at Unity House loved Adrian and many from outside as well. “Adrian was a lot more than all of this of course, he was a true socialist, loved art, travel, culture, and cooking amongst other things. But it is the fun person that we will cherish. “For all those who knew Adrian they will know that this is just a taste of his humour and fun. For those that never had the pleasure of doing so I hope it gives a small inkling of this lovely man. “Adrian fought with every ounce of his being to beat the Cancer that killed him. He did it with good grace, strength and fortitude and his wonderful sense of humour never left him. “His love and praise for the NHS was unwavering. His love and gratitude to Julie was something to behold, her quiet calm and love must have been such a comfort. “I will miss Adrian every day and so will many others. A brave man, a funny man, a caring man who made us laugh – then made us cry having been taken from us far too early. Rest in peace, Chelsea Boy”. AN APPRECIATION OF ADRIAN SCOTT