As kids up at the farm, we would see Gramma looking forward to seeing [Uncle] Fred and Mervin come home. They were construction Boilermakers. All across Canada they traveled. Cold or hot weather, they were building hydro plants and refineries. They were in a unique trade. There were lots of ironworkers. There were lots of carpenters. There were lots of auto mechanics. But not many Boilermakers.
Fred said to Eric and myself, “What are you two guys doing?”
Eric and I were going nowhere fast.
Fred said, “You are going to be BOILERMAKERS.”
Eric and I looked at each other and said, “What is a Boilermaker?”
It was time for my wife, Diane, and our kids to say goodbye to me at the door. I left for days and weeks to build refineries and hydro plants. When I got home, sometimes the kids would take strange to me. I’m glad the wife did not. We will be married 40 years this year. Diane and I are grateful for Uncle Fred’s direction. We have three beautiful kids and three beautiful grandkids. Jennifer is in the insurance business. Chris and Jeff are carrying on the tradition of boiler making.
Fred Noble was one of the first to be a member of Local 128. THANK YOU UNCLE FRED. Because of men and women like you, the Boilermakers are bigger and stronger than ever, and their families can lead a good and prosperous life, too.
Thomas Raymond Noble, Diane and family
Local 128, retired
Durham, Ontario
