Bob Clack is dead

This was the news that brought sorrow to hundreds of people when they learned that Alderman R.J. D. Clack, who had given most of his life to the service of others, had died suddenly at his work from coronary thrombosis on the morning of Saturday, March 7th. He was 51. 

He was born in Poplar in 1901 and the poverty that he knew and the injustice that he saw during his early years moulded and shaped his character. He saw life as a struggle and to it he brought a steady courage and an unflinching determination as he worked for those ideals of Socialism and brotherhood he believed in so strongly. 

His service to his fellows took many forms. A staunch Trade Unionist, his brothers in the National Union of Railwaymen looked to him for leadership, strength and advice. He became a member of the Dagenham Council in 1934 and from that time his work for the people of Dagenham was untiring. 

Chairman of the Highways and Works Committee, Chairman of the Road Safety Council, School Manager, to all these duties and to many others he brought a zeal that never flagged. As Mayor of the Borough from 1940 to 1942 he led the Citizens of Dagenham through 2 dangerous years, sharing with them the shock of air attack and the problems that the community faced during that time.  

Every man has just so much time to live and he can use it or waste it as he wills. Here was a man who, like the George Lansbury he revered so much, poured out his hours and years without thought for himself. He knew that his ideal was a great 1 and to its service he gave every power that he could command. He was a patient negotiator but, when he thought he was in the right, he said so, direct and plainspoken, sparing neither friend nor foe. But his friends, and they were many, loved him - his enemies, and they were few, respected his strength of purpose. For he could compromise over details but never over principles and any threat to those principles he faced and fought ruthlessly. 

Happiness can be shared; grief must be borne alone. we can only hope that his wife and daughter may find some consolation at this time from the knowledge that so many, so very many, are grieving with them. 

In the unending battle for a better life for all men and women everywhere the memory of the part he played will live long. 

Robert James Daniel Clack, citizen of the Borough, fighter for social justice, loyal comrade, loving husband and father, is dead. 

There is nothing more to say.