Leo Gerard, a well -known Sudbury labor activist, Ontario, died on Sunday at age 78, according to his obituary.
Gerard worked with United Steelworkers for more than 50 years. He served as representative of the USW personnel, district director, national director of Canada and Secretary-Those before his election as an international president in 2001.
He retired from the USW in July 2019.
Gerard’s obituary says his wife survived for 56 years, Susan, his Daughters Kari-Ann and Meaghan, and grandchildren Ellessa, Liam and Kinley. The obituary establishes that there will be no services at this time, and “the family is crying in private, and will request support and understanding as they remind Leo in their own way.”
People are invited to make a donation in honor of Gerard to Alzheimer’s society.
On Facebook, the MPP of the NDP of Sudbury, Jamie West, wrote that “his heart broke” when he learned of Gerard’s death.
“He broke for him, for his family, for his union and for me,” he said.
“He was accessible, pleasant and strong will. He was a powerful speaker and a determined fighter. He warmed like a sailor and dedicated his life to improve the life of the working class.”
West said Gerard’s work inspired others, including himself.
“I was lucky that Leo went from inspiring me to mentor me, spending more than a decade helping me to improve with what I love most: to improve the world for workers and their families,” he said.
USW members are also recognizing Gerard’s work.
“Leo Gerard spent his whole life fighting workers around the world, and its impact on USW, and the global labor movement has been immeasurable,” said International President of United Steelworkers, David McCall.
“He inspired countless other workers to continue the struggle for justice and justice. He will miss it, but we intend to honor his legacy by continuing our work.”
