Eric Cooper, Financial Secretary (1964-1976)
Eric Cooper
On March 1st 1976 an era for Local 199 came to an end, Eric Cooper after 22 consecutive years of unbroken service in office retired. Eric was born and educated in Saint John’s Newfoundland; he came to Ontario in 1945 while serving in the Salvation Army War Services. Eric started working at GM in 1950 and in 1954 was elected to committeeman in the Delco division. Later the same year Eric was elected as trustee of the Executive Board and remained on the executive board until he retired. Eric served two years as Vice president and in 1959 was elected to the position of Financial Secretary, Eric took to this job like a duck to water, as if this role was made for him.
In 1965 Eric became the second full time officer at the hall, the role Eric played was an important one, he had an ability to solve problems unequalled by anyone, Nick Collini said he would jump in his car and drive to Toronto at the drop of a hat to help a member win a compensation claim.
Eric was also involved with the NDP, an active delegate to the UAW Canadian Regional Convention the CLC and OFL conventions. Eric was involved with the United Way, Canadian Mental Health Association, Saint Johns Ambulance, the Community Health Centre Wayside house and the Canadian Diabetic society and in his spare time!, he volunteered with the Salvation Army.
In Eric Coopers last article in the 199 news he thanked the trade unionist that helped him learn the ropes through the early years; President John Ideson, National Rep. Bill Marshal, Gordon Lambert and his co committeeman Alex Ross. Eric also offered some good advice to the young and upcoming leaders, suggesting that they should not be in a hurry to learn everything overnight. Eric said it takes time to learn, seek advice, ask for help and warned that sometimes you have to make mistakes to learn. When this happens do not be too hard on yourself. Saving what I would consider his best advice for the membership, Eric’s parting words were to tell the membership how important it is to take an active role in politics. Labour has made some hard won gains over the years but warns us that what we have gained can be taken away at the stroke of a pen by Ottawa. These comments are very prophetic considering the challenging times Labour is currently in. The sweeping legislation changes happening in Wisconsin and the forced contract talks in 2009. Considering Eric wrote this advice 35 years ago, he must have been looking into his crystal ball back in 1976.
Romeo Lemay and Gerry Michaud joint Editors of the 199 news said that everyone in the elected leadership of the time learned from Eric Cooper with no exception. Over the years Eric Cooper became one of the mainstays of our local union, and that it would be hard to imagine the local without him. Eric had a very pleasant manner and a vast knowledge that would be missed.
"Romeo and Gerry concluded that Eric was not a big man in stature but it would take two to replace him, without exaggerating Eric was a giant of a man.
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