From the Georgia AFL-CIO Worker Information Network.
Please note link to printable donation form below:

Gary Dondero passed away today March 24, 2008. Gary’s passing is a great loss to his family and to his Labor Union Family.

Gary Dondero was a true trade unionist. His work in the labor movement and community service speak for themselves. In a crunch, a fight or a crisis Gary’s union brothers and sisters knew they could rely on him. Gary was a steward, trustee and organizer of LL 2783.

Gary was an active Union member for over 33 years starting with the Steelworkers and then with the IAM. He served as President of the Southeast Georgia Central Labor Council, Executive Vice President of the George State Council of Machinists, an educator for District 112 (IAM), a Trustee and Legislative Representative for JAMAW Local 2783.

Gary was involved with Habitat for Humanity on many projects. When a fellow union member was called to Iraq and seriously wounded Gary stepped in and helped organize fundraisers for the family. Gary’s tireless efforts resulted in building the family a state of the art handicap accessible home.

When the Durango paper mill in St. Marys closed Gary organized Job Fairs for the Mill workers. Gary also worked with a local Pastor and union members to set up a program for the unemployed Mill workers to receive prescriptions free of charge.

Gary, his wife Deborah and their children lived and breathed union as they worked to help the working people of Southeast Georgia.

You all probably know most or all of this about Gary. What you may not know is that Gary had a long running fight with cancer and true to his fighting spirit he waged an incredible battle. Unfortunately Gary lost that battle at about 1:00 PM today. This battle was not with out cost. Gary lost a considerable amount of time from work and hospital and travel costs have been tremendous. Gary has insurance of course and he received some sick pay but as most of you know insurance never pays all the medical cost and none of the associated cost nor does it replace the income from Gary’s part time job.

Gary’s Local Union and the Southeast Georgia CLC established a fund at the Costal Bank of Georgia to help the family through theses difficult times. A contribution form is attached. Please help as much as you can.

I was working on the request for help for the Dondero Family when I received the news about Gary’s death. I agonized over whether I should delay sending the request and just send the announcement of his death but the families financial need is still there and is probably greater right now.

The Memorial Service for Brother Gary Dondero will be Saturday, March 29,2008 @ 1:00 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church. The church is located at 120 E. William Ave, in Kingsland Georgia..

Yours in solidarity,

Charlie Key

 

Here is a link to a printable contribution form to Gary Dondero's family. Please be generous.
PRINTABLE DONATION FORM