It has been ten years since the closure of the Volvo Motor Graders plant in 2009. The news sent a shock wave through the community when it was announced that the town’s largest employer would be closing its doors for good – effectively displacing 500 loyal and veteran employees.
In an effort to continue the company’s legacy, the IAM&AW Local Lodge 1863 Retirees Club is organizing a 10-year Reunion for all past DRMCO, Champion Road Machinery, Volvo Motor Graders employees.
The event was held on Sunday July 21st, 2019, at Lions Harbour Park, Goderich.
Union Brother John Voskamp passed away July 09, 2019, in his 64th year.
John was hired at Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich, Ontario, Canada as a Stock Controller on September 02, 1972, and at that time became a member of IAMAW LL 1863 (now LL 1975). John left the plant when it closed in 2009.
John’s Service of Remembrance will be Saturday, July 20, 2019, at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, Goderich.
Union Brother Dwain Poirier passed away suddenly on June 15, 2019, at the age of 42 years.
Dwain was hired at Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich, Ontario, Canada in the Painting Dept. on August 18, 2004, and at that time became a member of IAMAW LL 1863 (now LL 1975). Dwain worked at the plant until it closed in 2009.
A Celebration of Life for Dwain will be held at a later date.
Gathering near the monument.
On Sunday, April 28, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., the Huron District Labour Council held a Day of Mourning event at the Workers Monument, Gloucester Terrace, Goderich, across from the Historic Gaol. Co-ordinator,
Co-ordinator Jim Vance and guest speaker.
Jim Vance of UNIFOR introduced guest speakers from the local community and labour movements. There was also a dedication of honour plaques from Romeo LeBlanc and Captain Chris Morgan.
Union Brother Leger Caza passed away April 15, 2019 in his 96th year. Leger was hired at Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich, Ontario, Canada in the Maintenance Dept. as a Janitor Sweeper on May, 11, 1970, and at that time became a member of IAM&AW LL 1863 (now LL 1975). Leger’s funeral Mass was held April 23, 2019 at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church.
Local 1863 Retirees Club toured the
Ron Westlake’s sugar bush on March 21, 2019.
Ron gave us a great tour and maple syrup samples, plus treats and coffee sweetened with maple sugar.
Union Brother Keith Good passed away March 18, 2019 in his 81st year.
Keith was hired at Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich Ontario, Canada in the Warehouse/Shipping Dept. as a stock Controller on November 13, 1972, and at that time became a member of IAM&AW LL 1863 (now LL 1975).
Keith retired December 1, 2003. There was a celebration of Keith’s life on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at the Goderich Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 109.
Union Brother Paul Dennis Hogan passed away February 27, 2019 in his 64th year.
Paul started with Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich Ontario, Canada in the Finished Products Dept. as a Fitter on September 18, 1973, and at that time became a member of IAM&AW LL 1863 (now LL 1975).
Paul worked until the plant closed in June 2009. Paul’s funeral was held at George Funeral Home, Lion’s Head Chapel, on March 30, 2019.
Union Brother Jeff Bissett passed away November 21, 2018 at the age of 50 years.
Jeff was hired at Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich Ontario, Canada, May 20, 1986 in the Welding Dept. at that time becoming a member of IAM&AW LL 1863 (now LL 1975).
Jeff was there until the plant closed in 2009.
Jeff’s Funeral was November 26, 2018 at the McCallum & Palla Funeral Home in Goderich. Interment Maitland Cemetery.
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