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Bricklayer Storyteller Brought Labour History to Life

Retired Local 2 British Columbia member and Business Agent Jack Geddes passed away earlier this year at the age of 94. A participant in the epic “On to Ottawa Trek” in 1935, Brother Geddes never tired of relating his knowledge of that era at labour conventions and to school groups.

“He would talk about the early days of organized labour and the terrible working conditions,” said Local 2 President Rob Tuzzi. “He would remind people of what they went through to get what we have today. He was an honest, straight-up fellow. He had a big heart and he always wanted to improve things.”

Brother Geddes, who became a BAC member in 1948, served as Business Agent from 1966 to 1980.  He was known for his vivid storytelling, sharp wit and sense of humour.

Even after he was declared legally blind in 1991, he still attended Union meetings and would contact the Local to ask how the members were, what the work picture was like, and if there was any work for a blind bricklayer.

 “He was proud of his family and proud of his trade and always 100% union minded. He was one of those people you like to be around. He always brought out the positive and best in the people he was with,” said Tuzzi.