JULIUS DEUTSCH: 1953-2010

JULIUS DEUTSCH

1953-2010

On Thursday, February 4th, 2010 Julius Deutsch passed away at the age of 56 after a long battle with cancer. He was a friend, mentor and brother to all who knew him, and an inspiration for so many people whose lives he touched.  A passionate New Democrat, for the last decade Julius was the Executive Assistant of the Labour Council, a redoubtable political campaigner, a champion of social and economic justice, a brilliant tactician, a patient builder of movements, a rock of strength in turbulent times.  Our thoughts go out to his family.

A service will be held at the Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil Street

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Visitation:  4:30 – 5:30 pm

Service:   5:30 pm

Donations in his memory can be made to the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

How very sad. He will be missed.

Julius was a real fighter and a true character.

Julius will be sadly missed by so many in the labour movement and the NDP.  He was a wonderful man, with a sense of social purpose and responsibility that few attain. A great loss....

I worked with Julius on planning for the Good Green Jobs for All conference in November and had an opportunity to see first hand his amazing capacity for dealing with details, not losing sight of the big picture and building consensus among a very diverse group of people and organizations. The results of the conference speak volumes to his skills and character.

I knew Julius and am terribly saddened t hear this news.

I know almost nothing about Julius Deutsch...does anyone care to share any stories about him?

I remember meeting him briefly on the NDP campaign in St. Paul's (another story). Even though he was almost certainly suffering from cancer, he didn't show it at all. He was as energized and active as myself (a mere slip of a boy, at 30), but with the knowledge and passion of all his years of activism. He really enjoyed getting down to the nitty-gritty of campaigns. He was almost certainly knocking on doors, even then. If he had not been out of action, I can guarantee you he would have been fighting the good fight in Toronto Centre.

I met him once - seemed like a great guy and very dedicated. I'm very sorry to hear this news. i know he was a big force behind getting Peggy Nash elected in Parkdale.

Julius Deutsch, 56: Labour movement 'giant'

Labour council pictorial

The memorial service was overflow. MC'd by Cheri Di Novo, speakers included John Cartwright, Winnie Ng, David Miller, Peter Tabuns, Peggy Nash, Carolyn Egan and Julius' three nieces. Politically, the tributes and reflections painted a picture of a hard working, one of a kind, results oriented strategist, organizer and troubleshooter who connected with people on a personal level. He was active in many of the key political battle fronts in Toronto and Ontario - labour, community, NDP, elections, government, human rights, environment etc.. Julius had his fingers in a lot of pies and was as natural in a union or community hall as he was savvy with, and sometimes feared by candidates and politicians behind the scenes.