On February 19, 2018, 16 union brothers of the Local 1863 Retirees Club visited the Toronto Auto Show.
Seen in the photo are: IAM&AW LL 1863 (now LL 1975) brothers Brian Pollock and John White looking over a Toyota 2021 model RAV4 Prime concept car.
This was our first trip for 2020, and hope to have some more later. The visitors really enjoyed their trip, which will be described at the Local 1863 Retirees Club meeting in the Goderich Legion, Branch 109, Kingston Street, Goderich, on March 11th.
Union Brother Gary Prouse passed away January 18, 2020 at the age of 67 years.
Gary was hired at Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich, Ontario, Canada, as a Machinist in the Gearco facility on May 14, 1973, and at that time became a member of IAM&AW LL 1863 (now LL 1975). Gary left the plant when it closed in 2009.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, 56 Kingston Street, Goderich, on Saturday, April 25th, 2020, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
On, September 11, 2019, brother Barry Page was installed as the new Vice President for Local Lodge 1863 Retirees Club, Goderich, Ontario, Canada. Barry took over the position from brother John White, who stepped down for health reasons. John has been both Vice President and President since the club’s formation and still remains active. John was recognized for his significant contributions to the club by current President, brother John Stadelmann.
Attached is an image of brother Barry Page (right) and brother John Stadelmann during the swearing-in procedure.
Union Brother William “Bill” Patterson passed away August 08, 2019, in his 88th year.
Bill was hired at Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich, Ontario, Canada in the Finished Products Dept. as a Fitter on April 14, 1969, and at that time became a member of IAM&AW LL 1863 (now LL 1975).
Cremation has taken place, and there will be a Celebration of Life at the Lions Park Pavilion, Blyth, Ontario, August 18, 2019.
Link to the obituary at Falconer Funeral Homes
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.
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