May 13, 2019
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that retired IVP-Eastern Canada Ed Power passed away on Saturday, May 11.
Ed dedicated himself to making our Brotherhood better up to the very last days of his life. He began his Boilermaker career in 1975 at Local 128 (Toronto, Ontario) as an apprentice construction Boilermaker and held a variety of local lodge offices before being elected business manager in 1992. He held that position for 11 years before being appointed as an International Rep in 2003.
Ed was instrumental in setting up the first-ever tripartite conference in Canada, in 2004. Committed to safeguarding benefits and securing work for members, he twice chaired the Canadian board of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, an educational body for pension plan trustees.
In 2006, the Executive Council elected Ed as IVP-Eastern Canada after Sandy MacDonald retired. He was re-elected by acclamation during the 2006 and 2011 Boilermakers’ Consolidated Conventions. Even after his retirement in 2014, he continued to dedicate much of his time working to make the Boilermakers better for all members.
One of Ed’s great strengths was his ability to develop strong working relationships — with other International officers, with International staff, with local lodges, with members, and with our contractors, and owners. It was clear that Ed loved the Boilermakers—not just the job and the union, but his Brothers and Sisters.
Ed’s friendship will live long, cherished in our memories. We will miss him.
Our hearts are with Ed’s loved ones during this difficult time. His family will be holding a Celebration of Life Ceremony to honor Ed on Thursday, May 16 at 1 p.m. at the 17 Steakhouse and Bar, 5165 Dixie Road, Mississauga, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, Ed’s wishes were to make a donation to the Toronto Sick Children’s Hospital.
Sincerely and fraternally yours,
Newton B. Jones
International President
