I first met Tom in 1976 was I was appointed as the Union representative at International Harvester. In Tom’s obituary it was noted that the Union was like a second family to him. And indeed Tom was a union brother in the truest sense. The countless hours he spent attending union meetings, providing support on picket lines and helping out in the office are only part of the contribution he made toward building a stronger and better union. The more important part is that this dedication served as an example to his brothers and sisters on the shop floor. It brought him a respect that was richly deserved. Consequently his support and commitment to the Union gave it credibility among them all and that enabled us to achieve some real breakthroughs in collective bargaining such as the first dental plan and first group registered retirement savings plan in any International Harvester dealership in Canada.
Retirement didn’t slow him down and he was the most active retired member I can recall. It was also mentioned that Tom loved to dance. I don’t know if it was coincidence or clever planning but the date for the Retirees’ Spring Dance always fell on our around his birthday, March 15th.
The world would be a better place if there were more people like Tom. He gave so much of himself without fanfare or need for recognition. A true rank-and-filer, a true union brother. It was a privilege to have known him.
Respectfully and fondly,
Roger Crowther
