Sunday, January 8, 2012
As a teenager I would often find Jack and my Dad sitting around the kitchen table when I came home late on a Friday night where they would be solving Union and world problems into the wee hours of the morning over some beers and a few good cigars. If that ol' kitchen table could talk the stories it could tell!!I remember my Mom saying once at that table during one of Jack's visits she was looking at new kitchen tables and Jack slammed his fist down on the table and said, " Norma, you can't get rid of this table!! We have done so much and solved so many Union problems right here at this table.Please don't get rid of it." Mom still has that same table in the kitchen today. Jack,or Ducky as we would playfully call him,always would invite us to sit with them on the occassions I came home and he and dad were chatting at the kitchen table. He was genuinley interested in hearing my generations point of view on topics they were discussing and it showed by the way he would listen and objectively look at my point of view before responding. I think thats where my education in Unions and my passion as an activist first started to develope,around that ol' kitchen table as a teenager listening to Jack and my Dad ,often debating political,economic and social views. Two great Activists,two unselfish mentors and two wonderful human beings. I miss them both. There is no doubt in my mind that Canadian Firefighters today enjoy the benefits and working conditions they have as a direct result of the efforts and dedication of these two men. God's speed Ducky,you've answered your last alarm Brother.
