CLAC Mourns Passing of Gerald Vandezande

DATE: July 18, 2011

Mississauga, ON—CLAC mourns the recent passing of Gerald Vandezande, who served as the union’s executive secretary from 1966 until 1972 and as editor of The Guide from 1959 to 1972.

Gerald was hired as a CLAC representative in 1961, but his involvement with the union dates back to CLAC’s founding where he served as secretary for a group of Ontario locals. He soon became a National Board member. His sacrifice, energy, and passion were instrumental to CLAC’s success during its early years.

Gerald was a dynamic leader who built enthusiasm for CLAC as a new labour movement. He worked tirelessly during many lean and trying years to grow the union. Under his leadership, CLAC became widely known, making its voice heard on important debates of the day and on matters of justice for its members and other Canadian workers.

In 1972, Gerald left CLAC and accepted a position as a full-time representative for Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), which he helped found in 1963. Gerald was a pioneer for social justice in Canada for which he was awarded the Order of Canada in 2001.

CLAC extends its deepest sympathy to his wife, Wynne, and his family.