Big-name liberal activists-including Ralph Nader and Cindy Sheehan-celebrated the lifelong activism of late UC Berkeley alumnus Peter Camejo Sunday at the International House.

Camejo, who ran as Nader's vice president in 2004 and was seen by many to be a major figure of the American left, died of lymphoma, a type of cancer, on Sept. 13. He was 68.

Progressive activists and friends from around the world said Camejo was willing to take risks other politicians would not in order to support underrepresented communities.

"He was always reading, thinking, talking with people. He believed in intellectual tension," Nader said to a crowd of more than 400.

Camejo first became known for his activism in Berkeley when he rallied students around progressive causes as a member of the Socialist Workers Party in the 1960s. At the time, then-Governor Ronald Reagan called him one of the 10 most dangerous men in California.

"He stood up for civil rights, and he stood up for civil liberties," said Carl Finamore, a friend and fellow activist at the time. "Peter was for challenging authority on all levels."

Camejo's reputation for rule-breaking, however, led to him being expelled from UC Berkeley for improperly using a bull-horn during the Free Speech Movement. He was only a few credits short of a degree, friends said.

Despite not having a degree, Camejo went on to represent progressive politics in a number of state and national elections, including runs for the governor's seat in California in 2002, 2003 and 2006. He also ran for president with the Socialist Workers Party in 1976.

"He firmly believed that we would rally the American people around just causes," said Camejo's brother Antonio.

Friends said they were always impressed by Camejo's drive and dedication. Many said his passion for change inspired others to pursue what they thought was right, no matter the consequences.

"His public philosophy was not an ideology. It was not dogmatic. It was a broad sense of what he felt was right and wrong," Nader said. "To know Peter was never to know him completely. He never specialized. There was always more."

Tags: GREEN PARTY, RALPH NADER