09/22/2025
When I found out that Leo Gerard passed away, surrounded by family, my heart broke. It broke for him, for his family, for his union, and for me.
After I spoke with Kari Ann, I sat down and tried to put into words what her dad meant to me.
I’ve titled it, “We call him Leo”.
**We call him Leo**
I’ve been to 3 continents as a United Steelworker, and each time I was reminded that everywhere else, he’s President Gerard.
But, in Sudbury, we call him Leo.
He was approachable, likeable and strong-willed. He was a powerful speaker and a determined fighter. He cursed like a sailor, and he dedicated his life to make life better for the Working class.
Raised in a union family, Leo went from working at the Copper Cliff Smelter to leadership positions with increasingly more responsibilities: a Shop Steward; an Area Rep; a District Director; a National President; and, an International President.
He worked with Premiers, Prime Ministers, and US Presidents. He forged Labour partnerships around the world. He stood up to tyrants and bullies and fought for Workers every single day.
Without Leo, many of our Worker Safety organizations simply would not exist: no Workers Health & Safety Centre; no Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers; no CROSH. And the list goes on.
Leo, had the respect of leaders of Industry, Labour and Politics from around the world. He’s received countless awards and recognitions, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and the Companion Award (the highest level of the Order of Canada), but what Leo prized most was the love of his family - a family that generously and consistently sacrificed their time with Leo so that he could make everyone else’s lives better.
Without question, Leo inspired tens of thousands of Workers to be like him: to believe in the Unity and Strength of Workers; to believe that the world of work can be profitable *and* it could put communities first: with less pollution; with safer workplaces; and, with Workers holding full-time jobs with good wages, benefits and a pension.
And Leo’s work inspired others, who also inspired others. It grew exponentially - like trying to count all the ripples created on a pond during a rainstorm.
I was one of the ripples inspired directly by Leo.
And, over the years, I was fortunate that Leo went from inspiring me, to mentoring me - spending more than a decade helping me become better at what I’m most passionate about: making the world better for Workers and their families.
Because of Leo, I’ve been to 3 continents as a United Steelworker. And each time I was reminded that everywhere else, he’s President Gerard.
But, in Sudbury, we call him Leo.
In Sudbury, I call him brother.
In Sudbury, USW President Leo W. Gerard is my really good friend, who I love and who I’ll miss. ❤️
