Hotline, Summer 2010

In Memory of Brother Rick Dowling

Business Mananger Local 213

Eighth District International Executive Council member Richard Dowling, who gave the Brotherhood more than four decades of solid service and leadership, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at home on May 31. He was 67 years old.

Business Manager and Financial Secretary of Local 213 since 2002, Brother Dowling was a progressive leader and organizer known for his easy smile and dedication to the labour movement. He was a visionary leader of the IBEW in British Columbia and served on the Executive of the BC Federation of Labour. He was also a tireless member of the United Way Campaign Labour Committee.

Under Brother Dowling’s direction, his local gained in membership from 4,000 to 5,000. At the time of his unexpected passing he had been looking forward to hosting the 38th IBEW Convention in Vancouver next year.

Local 258 Business Manager Doug McKay said Brother Dowling was a stalwart trade unionist who could always be counted on. “We’ll be missing Rick’s contributions, ideas and ability to get the job done. The labour movement has lost a great leader, and I know I’ll miss his sense of humour.”

First District International Representative Laird Cronk said Dowling embodied the best qualities of an effective leader:

“To me he was the perfect guardian of the local union. He made everything a little bit better, a bit more secure. You had confidence that everything was under control when Rick was at the helm.”

IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill said, “It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Brother Dowling and thank him for his many years of dedication to the trade union movement. I pray that God will watch over his family during this challenging time.”

Rick was elected to the International Executive Committee at the union’s 37th Convention in Cleveland in September, 2006. Halifax, Nova Scotia, Local 1928 Business Manager Mike MacDonald nominated Dowling for the position. Addressing the delegation, MacDonald said:

“Because of Rick’s vast experience and his character of a solid and compassionate trade unionist, I am certain he will be a strong voice for Canada and a valued member of the IEC.”

Brother Dowling relocated to Canada from Scotland in 1967 and was initiated into Vancouver Local 213 the following year. He served on several local and regional committees and became an ABM in 1973. He was appointed as Business Manager and Financial Secretary in 2002 and won election to the position the following year and re-election in 2006. In this new role, he represented workers in diverse sectors such as utility, inside construction, electrical manufacturing, communications and cable television.

Loving husband, father and grandfather, Rick touched and influenced the lives of many. He always led by example, demonstrating honesty, trust, integrity, empathy, reliability, humility and excellence.

As The Hotline goes to press, a “Celebration of Life” for Brother Rick Dowling will take place at the Operating Engineers Hall in Burnaby, BC. Donations can be made to the United Way of the Lower Mainland.