A DECORATED World War II veteran and respected lifelong socialist has died.
Liverpool born Charlie Crute, 86, was Vice President of Merseyside TUC and campaigned strongly against the war in Iraq; he was also a member of Merseyside Pensioners Association.
He is survived by his wife Irene and children Irene, Charlie, David and Kevin, nine grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Alec McFadden, President of Merseyside TUC, said: “We were all deeply shocked to hear of the passing of Charlie.
“He was a terrific and well respected man.
“We will all miss him dreadfully.
“We have decided that we won’t replace him as he is irreplaceable and it would place a massive burden on whoever took over as those are big shoes to fill.
“He was in the TUC for over 60 years and when he became Vice President in 1997 no one ever ran against him because he was regarded with so much respect.
