Retired Business Representative Lee Hunsaker passed away on Friday, November 11th. Brother Hunsaker served as a BR all across Oregon, first for District Lodge 163, and continued in that position after its' merger with DL 24.
Lee and his wife Mickey had been regular attendees at the annual DL 24 retired IAM staff reunions. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her, and all Lee's family and friends.
Former District 24 DBR Dave Plant said, "I first met Lee in 1968 after going to work at a shop in Eugene which he had successfully organized. Several months later, he negotiated our first labor agreement. I joined the IAM and volunteered to be a shop steward. A few months later I became chief steward. In that capacity, and later as local lodge president, I worked closely with Lee on grievances and contract negotiations for the next decade. I came to greatly admire him for his hard work and dedication to our members and tried to model myself on him. It was largely due to his inspiration and encouragement
that I eventually was able to be selected to join the IAM staff. I will miss him greatly."
Prior to becoming a Business Representative Lee held several offices in Paradise Lodge No 1311 in Eugene. He also held delegate positions to the Lane County Labor Council, the Linn-Benton-Lincoln Labor Council, the Oregon Machinists Council, and the Oregon AFL-CIO during his career. Lee began his career as an apprentice saw-maker at Spear & Jackson, Inc., a shop in Eugene that made circular saws and bandsaws for mills. After serving in the military during World War II, he returned to Spear & Jackson to complete his apprenticeship and worked as a journeyman sawmaker until he was elected to the Business Representive position.
Lee's family has arranged services at Lane Memorial Gardens, 5300 West 11th Ave. (Hwy. 126), in Eugene. [From I-5, take Beltway west and then south to West 11th, then turn right on West 11th and proceed west until you reach Lane Memorial Gardens]. Services will begin at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 17, 2011.
"The IAM has lost a strong leader and a true trade unionist. Lee served with distinction for many years, and there are untold numbers of families that live better today because of his dedication and talent" said GVP Gary Allen.
