BC FORUM News – From The Advocate, Spring 2018

Lorraine Logan

1944 – 2018

With the passing of Lorraine Logan, older and retired workers and so many others have lost a true champion,” says Diane Wood, President of BC FORUM.

“Whether she was at the microphone addressing a rally or quietly lobbying decision makers, she was relentless in pushing for a more civil society.”

“In so many ways, Lorraine Logan made time for others and worked tirelessly to improve their lives,” said Wood. “We miss you sister.”

A capacity crowd celebrated Lorraine’s many contributions and activism at a gathering at the Operating Engineers’ Hall in Burnaby in February.

Stephanie Smith, President of the BCGEU, described Lorraine as “an activist through and through. Right up until the end, she was a champion of workers’ rights, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights and seniors’ rights.”

As a young woman, Lorraine was an elite athlete. She represented Canada on the national women’s field hockey team. When she retired from playing, she continued to support young women as an internationally certified umpire in the sport.

Lorraine’s work career spanned 31 years in the BC public service, where she was very active in her union. She was elected as shop steward, local executive member, labour council delegate, cross component committee representative, and served on the Multi Union Pride Committee. BCGEU convention delegates said thank you by voting to make her a Life Member.

After retirement, Lorraine continued to lead the way in shining a light on injustices and campaigning for a better world:

• She stayed connected to her union’s fightback and advocacy campaigns.

• She served as a BC FORUM Regional Representative.

• She was President of both the New Vista Housing Society, and the Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations of BC (COSCO).

• Through COSCO, she lobbied for changes to the DriveABLE assessment for older drivers.

• She served on a TransLink committee to push for improved access for seniors and people with disabilities.

• She was active in the Seniors Services Society of BC, and Seniors on Guard for Medicare.

• And she was active in federal and provincial elections.

“With her energy, enthusiasm and commitment, Lorraine led by example and motivated many others,” said Wood.

“Her spirit is with us – as is her expectation that each of us will do the right thing and do our best to help each other.”