Tuesday 11th March 2014 was a day when both trade Unionis and politician responded to the sudden death, with unified respect, for a Man who led the RMT and became one of the most successful trade union leaders in many many years.

Bob Crowe pulled out of a TUC event on Monday as he was feeling unwell. Then early on Tuesday morning at Whipps Cross hospital in Leytonstone, east London, the general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, died aged 52 after reportedly suffering an aneurysm and a heart attack.

A Guardian Newspaper journalist, Decca Aitkenhead, entitled the blog she posted on the newspaper's website late Teusday after hearing of his death:

"The last time I interviewed Bob Crow he looked at the end of his tether!"

The final words of her piece were no less dramatic:

"I asked Crow if he would be standing for re-election in 2016. "Well at the moment I am. But that may change. I'm not going to be hanging around for ever.".... It wasn't until I checked my notes that I saw the first reason he gave for why he might not run again. "My health."

Fellow Trade Unionists and politicians, including even Boris Johnson, paid tribute to Bob Crowe; a Union leader who was "a fighter and a character".

London Mayor, Boris Johnson who was reportedly shocked by the news of Bob Crowe's death, paid tribute to the Trade Union leader he clashed with many many times:

"This was a guy who really fought for his members and who stuck up for his point of view. Obviously I didn't always agree with what he had to say but... together with other union members, Bob Crow unquestionably helped to drive through huge progress on London Underground, and he leaves a massive legacy behind."

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“This is shocking news. Bob was an outstanding trade unionist, who tirelessly fought for his members, his industry and the wider trade union movement.

He was always a good friend and comrade to me. We will miss him, and our thoughts are with his family and the RMT at this difficult time.”

Commenting on the tragic news of Bob Crow’s death, CWU general secretary Billy Hayes said:

“Bob Crow was a great leader and he was a great inspiration to rail workers and trade unionists around the world.

Bob will be greatly missed. He will be remembered for his passion, his commitment and his endless pursuit for social justice. His death is a tragedy and I would like to send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

But perhaps it is best to leave the last words to the RMT:

"It is with the deepest regret that RMT has to confirm that our General Secretary Bob Crow sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning.

The union’s offices will be closed for the rest of the day and the union will make further announcements in due course. The media have been asked to respect the privacy of Bob’s friends and family at this difficult and distressing time."

Source: CWU / BBC News / The Guardian / RMT