|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“The trade union movement and working families around the world lost a tireless advocate and a fierce champion for workers’ rights,” said IP Tom Buffenbarger as he paid tribute to General Vice President George Hooper, 61, who died early this morning in an Austin, Texas hospital. “George Hooper was truly a respected and much-beloved officer of our union and, at all times, exemplified the highest ideals of a trade unionist,” he added. Buffenbarger recalled that his keen sense of humor and joy of living made him a treasured personal friend as well as a colleague in union affairs. “He had a zest for living that made him a pleasure to be around,” he said. “He will be greatly missed by all of us.” “George Hooper was the tough but gentle giant of the Machinists Union,” explained Charlotte Sund, the IAM Director of Human Rights. “He was passionate about his life’s work – protecting the little guy and gal. He loved this union, and drew strength from its members.” “But what was truly remarkable,” continued Sund, “was the way he fought for ‘his folks’ at the bargaining table and within the labor movement. He pushed hard for the advancement of women and minorities into positions of real responsibility, and he gave them and all his staff his unwavering support. His legacy of real solidarity will live on in the men and women he fought for all these years.” George Hooper was nominated and elected as IAM General Vice President in 1997 and assigned to direct IAM programs and activities in the union’s Southern Territory, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, two sons, Michael and Darrell, daughter, Michele, and her husband Chris, and their children, Micaela and Geoffrey, as well as his mother, Orene Hooper. "The entire membership of the IAM extends its deepest love and condolences to Shirley and the family at this sad occasion," Buffenbarger said. Hooper joined the IAM in 1966, when he was initiated into Local 126 in Freeport, Texas. He began as a Machinist apprentice and advanced to journeyman status three years later. He quickly became active in union affairs, serving as shop steward and holding almost every other union office in his local. In 1974, he became business representative in District 37. During those years, he served as vice president and executive board member of the Texas State Council of Machinists. In 1981, he became an IAM special representative and was named a Grand Lodge representative two years later. In that role, Hooper efficiently carried out a numerous assignments, including Southern Territory automotive coordinator, General Dynamics coordinator, Light Aircraft coordinator and Boeing coordinator. As a political activist, Hooper served several terms as Democratic Party precinct chair and attended numerous Democratic conventions. |
