Jack Jones, the former leader of the Transport and General Workers' Union and veteran of the Spanish Civil War, died yesterday at the age of 96. Jack was a legend in his lifetime, a rock of decency and integrity. When we first met when I was in my 20s, I was in awe of his towering reputation, but, over a cup of tea, in his characteristically gentle manner he inspired and encouraged me, as he did a generation. His lifetime ends but his legacy lives on. He will be sorely missed.