From The Advocate, May 2012

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Hundreds pay tribute to Frank Kennedy

Published May, 2012 - Several hundred longshore workers, family and community members gathered at the Maritime Centre in Vancouver on Sunday, March 4 to honor the life of BC FORUM director and ILWU leader Frank Kennedy who died Feb. 18 after a long illness. He was 83.

More than a dozen speakers recalled Kennedy’s life-long dedication to workers, peace and social justice – work he continued long after his retirement through his active involvement in BC FORUM.

ILWU Canada President Tom Dufresne recalled Kennedy’s determination to improve the lives of members and build a stronger union movement in Canada.

“Frank was a man for all seasons because he worked so well with all kinds of people – longshore workers, young activists, pensioners and politicians,” said Dufresne, adding that Kennedy’s long history of working with peace and social justice groups has left a gap that’s hard to fill.

“If he were still with us, I’m sure he’d be helping young people in the Occupy movement learn how to work more effectively with unions,” said Dufresne.

Kennedy’s longshore career began in 1951, when the Vancouver union was still affiliated with the ILA. He played a key role in moving members to affiliate with the ILWU, then helped consolidate many smaller Vancouver area locals into Local 500.

“Frank understood those changes would make our union stronger, and he was right,” recalled his good friend and fellow union leader Dave Lomas, who helped organize the memorial and recorded a four-hour interview with Kennedy before he died.

“I learned a lot about labour history and the union movement during my 45 years on the waterfront, and I owe much of it to Frank,” said Lomas. “I was working but not involved with the union until Frank encouraged me and many others to get involved.”

Many speakers noted that Kennedy was a great mentor who excelled at training new leaders. Others pointed to Kennedy’s relaxed and calm demeanor – especially in times of crisis and conflict – that made him a popular person to consult during difficult times.

He served in a wide variety of posts, including President of Local 500, Secretary- Treasurer of ILWU Canada, Trustee of the Pension and Welfare Plans, International Executive Board, and Secretary-Treasurer of the Vancouver and District Labour Council.

In a tribute posted at rabble.ca, Fred Wilson of the CEP said Kennedy left an enduring legacy.

“In 1968 he was chairperson of the (VDLC Committee) that coordinated the labour movement’s civic politics. Frank convened and chaired the conference that created the Committee of Progressive Electors (COPE) which went on to shape progressive politics in Vancouver for 40 years. At various times, Frank was President of COPE, a candidate and a negotiator with the Civic NDP and others over the ‘labour slate’ that elected majorities to Vancouver City Council, School Board and Park Board,” said Wilson.

In the 1980s, the labour council worked with peace movement groups to create the End the Arms Race Coalition, and Kennedy served for many years as its president. The coalition organized massive peace marches that brought more than 100,000 people into the streets of Vancouver.

“Frank was one of those rare and treasured leaders who don’t come often enough, but leave behind a rich legacy for us to learn from,” said ILWU Secretary-Treasurer Willie Adams.