Ottawa

 Last week I received an e mail from Gil Levine, a legendary union leader, founding member of CUPE  and a wonderful man. He was writing to say that he was fatally ill. He died a few days later on December 16 at the age of 85, still vigorous and politically active. He said “This is probably the hardest email I’ve ever sent, as I need to let you know that I am gravely ill.” Still he wrote that e mail, so like Gil to think of his legions and friends and comrades even as he and his family were struggling with this terrible news.