Passing on knowledge to the next generation of leaders is an essential trait of a great mentor!

Steve has been someone I looked up to throughout all of my Union career.

Steve was the Godfather of IAM Local 2413. He started the Local in 1970 and quickly grew it into a multi-composite branch of the international organization.

In fact under Steve's leadership, he brought Wardair onboard which grew Local 2413 to almost 3000 members at one point.

Steve was the Directing Business Representative of Local 2413 when I began my Union career. During his tenure, he began mentoring Sandro Sperduti to take over the role of Business Representative as Steve was about to move into a position with the Grand Lodge of the IAM&AW.

Steve ran for the position of Canadian General Vice President and spent much of the remainder of his career as the Airline & Transportation Coordinator in Canada.

Steve was truly old school and grew up in an era where there were no computers, no cell phones, no internet, no emails, no text messages, no WhatsApp, no social media, etc., or the countless other distractions that are prevalent today.

His technology in those early days was a 1-800 number, a fax machine, and a secretary or two.

I remember Steve telling me how much simpler things were in his day. When he was away on business assignments, Union members would call the office and leave a message with his secretary. He indicated that when he returned from his business assignments, often the people involved were able to figure out a solution, without him being instantly bombarded like the representatives are today.

Steve is one of a kind and I learned much from his leadership and dedication.

Sandro was a true old school Labour Representative that I was honoured and blessed to have as a mentor and close dear friend. 

He was my 1st Chief Steward at Consolidated Aviation, along with my 1st Local Lodge President, 1st Business Representative, 1st General Chairperson, and Regional Directing General Chairperson.

Sandro had strong mediation skills and always stressed the importance in having control over a decision, rather than betting on the unknown.

Sandro always thought my best trait was that of an educator. Perhaps that is because he educated me with many of his old school ways and techniques.

Sandro mentored me over a number of years to take over for him. He even made me promise him that I wouldn't let anyone from outside Local Lodge 2413 take over the role he held as I believe he wanted a piece of his personality and character to live on in his successor.

Sandro's door was always open to any member who needed his help. Often Sandro would treat those who stopped over to some of his world class cooking.

Sandro always had a heart full of love for family, which is also the trait of a good mentor. 

John Charles McQuhae was one of my group of wise men that I had the absolute pleasure of learning from.

John spent his entire Union career at Consolidated Aviation advocating for workers rights and being involved with his Union.

John was a mainstay on the Local 2413 Executive Board since the time the Local was founded in 1970, and up until shortly after the time of his retirement from the airport job he loved so dearly.

He was a true friend and a father figure that God blessed me with. John knew the value of strong faith as was kind to just about every person I think he ever met. Kindness is a much required trait of a good listener and an even better Union representative.

John always had a motto that he believed in when contemplating his decision to vote in contract ratifications: "never turn down free money!"

He often referred to me as "kid" . I often think that besides the age difference, he treated me like I was one of his own kids.

John also introduced me to his alter ego "Johnnie Vegas". John was a sort of crooning karaoke professional and could go toe to toe with Frank Sinatra any day or night. I will never forget the first time he convinced me to go on stage with him in San Francisco to perform a duet.

John Charles McQuhae, a man that knew the importance of bringing along the leaders of the future. 

Ron Cowl, otherwise someone I lovingly referred to as "Uncle Ronnie".

Ron was also one of the group of wise men that I had the absolute pleasure of learning from.

Ron was a diehard Union man who took on some big battles during his days working and representing  the Shop Floor at Field Aviation.

He moved his way up to the Secretary Treasurer of IAM Local 2413 and steered the financial ship in the right direction.

Uncle Ronnie enjoyed the presence of children and I remember the days when I would bring my young daughter to the Union offices while I performed some of my Union responsibilities. Ron would always have something to hand out or to entertain. 

Its so important for the youth to feel welcomed, loved and included. It instills a sense of wholesome Union values and belonging at an early age, something that unfortunately doesn't get taught in school.

Ron retired knowing that because of both our efforts, the Union Local was in the best financial state that it had been in for many decades.

The greatest compliment that I was ever given by a mentor and labour activist was from Ron. He told me and others that I was by far the best Lodge President that Local 2413 ever had. Those were some big words that I have always cherished and hold close to my heart.

Kenneth Hugh Brown  was a relentless Chief Steward, Shop Chairperson and Plant Chairman.

He always wore his heart on his sleeve and would never hesitate to get into whatever heated exchange was required with the boss when advocating for his Union membership.

Ken and I made a great good cop, bad cop team during our days at Consolidated Aviation. Ken was the Shop Chairperson and I was the Local Lodge 2413 President and Group Insurance administrator.

Together we served on Bargaining Committees and the Shop Committee, as well as the Local Lodge Executive Board.

Ken taught me that its OK to fight like hell for any member, no matter what!

Sister Pauline Pegnam, likely the hardest working woman I have ever met.

Although she may not realize it, I learned from her that nothing in life comes easy and that to make things looks easy, it requires dedication and hard work.

Her detailed organizational skills are second to none. I think I can blame some of my OCD traits on her as indirectly, she taught me the importance of being detailed and organized.

Unfortunately she also taught me that the more you do, the more that others expect you to do. She said you need to know when to tell others that your plate is full so that others take on responsibility and learn to create their own confidence.

Pauline retired from her unionized aerospace workplace a number of years ago. However she epitomizes that saying "you can retire from your job but you can never retire from your Union".

Sister Pegnam continues to serve her Union in the role of Secretary Treasurer of the Ontario Provincial Council of Machinists.

She is an inspirational person who has the passion to mentor others, whether she realizes it or not.