Local 793 Business Managers past and present enjoyed a double celebration this week, as Mike Gallagher and Joe Kennedy got together to celebrate their birthdays.
Joe, who led the union from 1974 until 1992, turned 100 on September 29, while Mike turned 65 on the same day.
Mike was joined by Local 793 President Dave Turple at Joe’s current residence at the Veterans Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto today to present him with an engraved pocket watch, letters of congratulations from IUOE General President John Downey and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and a commemorative booklet charting Joe’s career with the union.
Also present were Joe’s grandson Kayle and great-grandson Erin, generations four and five of Kennedy family Operating Engineers.
Mike, who was brought onto the union staff by Joe in 1987, said, “Joe was a very strong leader and I learned a lot from him about how to carry yourself and how to lead an organization.”
Joe achieved much for members during his time with Local 793, including leading the push to create the pension plan in 1973, forcing a change in legislation to make hoisting engineer a compulsory certified trade in 1979 and publishing the first edition of 793 Operator in 1974 as a way to better connect members to their union.
With a lifelong focus on worker safety, which led to him being awarded the prestigious Roy A. Phinnemore award for his contribution to the prevention of accidents, Honourary Lifetime Member Joe had a special message for the current membership.
“Be safe, be cautious and be kind to your fellow members!”
Happy birthday Joe and Mike!
