Union Brother Joseph S. Freeman passed away October 29th, 2020 at the age of 82 years.
Joe was hired at Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich, Ontario, Canada, as a Truck Driver in the Traffic Dept. on January 12, 1966, and at that time became a member of IAM&AW LL 1863 (now LL 1975). Joe retired from Volvo Motor Graders in 2003.
At one time, Joe was the President of IAM&AW LL 1863.
Union Brother Ian Scott passed away October 27th, 2020 at the age of 73 years.
Ian was hired at Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich, Ontario, Canada, as a 
Material Scheduler in the Manufacturing Dept. on March 8th, 1973 (or July 1st, 1973), and at that time became a member of IAM&AW LL 1863 (now LL 1975). Ian retired from Volvo Motor Graders when the plant closed in 2009.
At one time, Ian was the Chairman of the IAM&AW LL 1863 Office Union Bargaining Unit.
Union Brother Raymond Schweitzer passed away September 5th, 2020.
Ray was hired at Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich, Ontario, Canada, as a Machinist in the main plant on December 1st, 1970, and at that time became a member of IAM&AW LL 1863 (now LL 1975). Ray retired from Volvo Motor Graders on June 5th, 2005.
Union Brother Paul Wayne Gross passed away October 8, 2020 at the age of 67 years.
Paul was hired at Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich, Ontario, Canada, in the Machine Shop at the main plant on July 9, 1973, and at that time became a member of IAM&AW LL 1863 (now LL 1975). Paul left the plant when it closed in 2009.
Cremation has taken place. A private interment will be held.
Union Brother William “Bill” Ryan passed away August 1, 2020 at the age of 92 years.
Bill was hired at Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich, Ontario, Canada, as an Expediter at the main plant on September 10, 1973, and at that time became a member of IAMAW LL 1863 (now LL 1975). Bill retired from Volvo Motor Graders in 1992.
Cremation has taken place. A private interment will be held.
Union Brother Ronald “Mitch” Miller passed away June 11, 2020 at the age of 69 years.
Ron was hired at Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich, Ontario, Canada, on June 15, 1970, and at that time became a member of IAMAW LL 1863 (now LL 1975). Ron retired from Volvo Motor Graders as a Parts Distribution Worker.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be arranged in the future.
Union Brother Ronald “Ron” Wilson passed away April 25, 2020 at the age of 76 years.
Ron was hired at Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich, Ontario, Canada, as a Machinist at the main plant and later in the Gearco facility on December 21, 1970, and at that time became a member of IAM&AW LL 1863 (now LL 1975). Ron retired from Volvo Motor Graders as a Processor/Planner.
Cremation has taken place. At Ron’s request there will be no Funeral or Celebration of Life.
Union Sister Pat Wilkinson passed away March 23, 2020.
Pat was hired at Champion/Volvo Motor Graders in Goderich, Ontario, Canada, on February 14, 1977 working in several office clerical positions, and at that time became a member of IAM&AW LL 1863 (now LL 1975). Pat retired from the company in April, 2006.
No funeral details are available at this time.
On March 12, 2020, members of the Local 1863 Retirees Club in Goderich toured the maple tree woodlot of former Champion Road Machinery employee, Ron Westlake. Ron gave us an interesting visit where he showed us his latest maple syrup evaporation equipment and explained how the process worked; from tapping the trees to boiling the sap, and grading and bottling the syrup. Afterwards, he gave us some samples; plus he likes giving us a coffee made from syrup, and sweetened with more syrup. This annual early spring visit is always a good tour. A souvenir photo is attached.
IAM CANADA STORIES
