IN MEMORIAM

Joe F. Bort  (1932 - 2023) 

Brother Joe F. Bort passed away on Monday, November 6th at the age of 91.  Brother Bort was initiated into the IBEW by Local 46 in 1968 and began working out Local 112 as a Journeyman Wireman in 1970.  He   later deposited his Traveling Card into Local 112 in June 1974. Joe lived in the Yakima area and worked for the small shops in that area whenever he could.  Much of his career was also worked on the Hanford site before retiring in 1995.  Brother Bort loved the horse races and spent time at the track whenever he could.

We extend our sympathies to the family and friends of Brother Bort.

William P. Meyers  (1939 - 2023) 

Brother William P. “Bill” Meyers passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the age of 84 after suffering a heart attack.   Brother Meyers was initiated into  Local 112 as an apprentice wireman in 1962 and completed the four year apprenticeship, becoming a Journeyman   Wireman in 1965.  He was a 61 year member of the IBEW.Bill began working out of Local 48 in early 1966 and transferred his membership to that Local in 1967 and returned to Local 112 ten years later in 1977.  He continued to work for various contractors until his retirement in  2001.Brother Meyers spent time with his horses and competed in the      Pendleton Round Up Wagon Train every year.

Brother Meyers’ son, Tim, is a member of Local 112 and  the Hermiston Rep. on  the Executive Board. We extend our sympathies to the family and friends of Brother Bill Meyers.

Phillip V. Jarmer (1940—2023)

Brother Phil Jarmer passed away on June 25, 2023 at the age of 82.  Brother Jarmer was a 60 year member of the IBEW, having been         initiated as an apprentice wireman in 1963 by Local 73.  His Travel Card was accepted into Local 112 in 1971.  Phil lived in the LaGrande area so worked close to home whenever he could, but also worked throughout the jurisdiction wherever work took him, including the Hanford area.   He went to work maintenance in 1985 and worked there until his retirement in 2003.

We extend our sympathies to the family and friends of Brother Phil Jarmer.

MICHAEL B. O'CONNOR (1949 - 2021)

Brother Mike O’Connor  passed away on June 16, 2021 after a long  battle with cancer.   Brother O'Connor joined Local 112 as an  apprentice  wireman in  1979 and after completing the four year    apprenticeship program, became a Journeyman Wireman in 1983.  He was a 42 Year member of the IBEW. Mike worked for a variety of contractors throughout his career, and worked in Oregon whenever he could, as he lived in that area of the jurisdiction. Brother O’Connor worked the later part of his  career on the Hanford site before retiring in 2011 and moving to Wyoming to be closer to his family.

We extend our sympathies to the family and friends of Brother Mike O’Connor.

IVAN D. STEELE (1934 - 2021)

Brother Ike Steele passed away on Monday, May 3rd at the Life Care Center in Kennewick at the age of 87.   Brother Steele was a very    prominent member of the  Local Union and well known and a friend to everyone who knew him.

Brother Steele began his electrical career in a sawmill near Baker,      Oregon .  When the mill closed, he entered the apprenticeship in        Local 112  as a 3rd Year apprentice in 1956 and turned out as a  Journeyman  in late 1958.  He started teaching night apprenticeship classes  for Local 112 as soon as he  became a Journeyman.   He lived in Baker, Oregon and worked in that  area of the jurisdiction until going to Hanford in 1981. Once he moved to Washington, he became an  apprenticeship instructor in the Tri-Cities  for the night classes and taught Journeyman classes as well.   He worked for various Hanford   contractors until becoming the  Local’s first full-time  apprenticeship  instructor in 1994—a position he held until his retirement in  January, 2003.

After retiring, Brother Steele could be found at the Training Center on a regular basis  and was always happy to lend a hand to mentor and tutor  apprentices who needed the extra help.  Once the Local Union  started the “Retirees’ Breakfast”, Ike was a familiar face each month.

We extend our sympathies to the family and friends of Brother Ike Steele

Glenn R. Washam (1949 - 2021)

Brother Glenn Washam passed away on April 9, 2021 after being recently diagnosed with   cancer. Brother Washam began his electrical career in 1974 as an apprentice wireman and    became a  Journeyman in 1978.  He worked his career in the shops and opened Sun River   Electric in 1985.  He was very successful as an electrical contractor and employed many of our members over the years, before closing Sun River Electric in October of 2015.   Over the years, he served on the JATC and Negotiating Committees. He officially retired in April 2016. 

Perry Scott (1948 - 2021)

Brother Perry Scott passed away on March 7th just before his 73rd birthday after a courageous fight with cancer.  Perry began his apprenticesip program with Local 112 in 1984 and became a Journeyman Wireman in 1989.  He worked the Oregon area when he could, but also worked for contractors on the Hanford site and industrial sites.  He retired in 2011 and was a 35 year member of the IBEW.   He will always be remembered by his jolly laugh and big smile. 

Ray C. Gifford (1943 - 2021)

Brother Ray Gifford passed away on February 22nd at the age of  77 after a battle with cancer.  Ray completed the apprenticeship program in 1973 and worked for a variety of contractors on an off the Hanford site.  He enjoyed a 14 year retirement, having retired in 2007. 

Keith Browning 1946—2021

Brother Keith Browning passed away on February 15, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was initiated into Local 112 in 1996 as a Journeyman Wireman and was a 25 year member of the IBEW. Brother Browning enjoyed working for the shops on the smaller jobs, but did spend some time on the Hanford Project towards the end of his career before retiring in 2011. 

David Dubois  1950 - 2021

Brother Dave Dubois passed away on Friday, January 18, 2021 at the age of 70.  Brother Dubois began his apprenticeship with Local 112 in August , 1972 and was a 47 year member of the IBEW.  Dave lived in the Yakima area so he worked for several contractors in that area in the early years of his career.  Before going to work as an Electrical Inspector for the State of Washington in 1992, he spent several years working on the Hanford Project.   Brother Dubois continued to work as an Electrical Inspector until his retirement in 2006.

WILLIAM WINTER 1937 - 2020

Brother William Winter passed away on December 18, 2020 at the age of 83 from COVID. Brother Winter was initiated into Local 112 in 1992 as a Journeyman Wireman and was a 28 year member of the IBEW. When he joined the IBEW, he went to work for Kaiser on the Hanford Site and after leaving Hanford, worked mainly on the Oregon side. Brother Winter enjoyed a 20 year retirement, having retired in 2000.  

Dan H. Smith 1921—2021

Local 112’s oldest retired member, Dan H. Smith, passed away on January 3, 2021 at the age of 99. Brother Smith was initiated into the IBEW by Local 77 in 1939 and later transferred his membership to Local 73. After Local 112 was chartered, he transferred his membership to Local 112 in June, 1947. Dan work for several contractors on the Hanford Project during the early years of his career. In 1954, he opened Smith Electric in Yakima, where he was a contractor until 1976. He returned to the Hanford site after closing his shop and worked until his retirement in 1985. 

Steven E. Ray 1964 - 2020

 Brother Steve Ray passed away on December 9, 2020 at the age of 56. Steve began his apprenticeship program with Local 112 in March, 1996, and after completing the five year program, became a Journeyman Wireman in 2001. He was a 23 year member of the IBEW, having been initiated into Local 112 in 1997. During his career, Brother Ray worked a variety of jobs from small shops to the Hanford Site. He spent the last year working for Dyna at the Oregon data centers and before that, worked many years at the VIT Plant on the Hanford site. Our sympathies and prayers go out to the family and friends of our deceased Brother. 

Thomas D. Richardson, Jr.

1940—2020

Brother Tommy Richardson passed away at the age of 80 on September 28, 2020.  Brother Richardson was initiated into     Local 112 in 1959 as an apprentice wireman.  He completed the apprenticeship program and became a Journeyman Wireman in 1964.  Tommy enjoyed working for the small shops where he spent the majority of his career.  He also lived and worked several years in the Seattle area in the late sixties and early seventies before returning to  Yakima.  Brother Richardson retired in 2000 and enjoyed a 20 year retirement.

G. Neil Knight 1939 - 2020

Brother Neil Knight passed away on  September 4, 2020 at the age of 81 from injuries sustained in a fall at his home. He was a 59 year member of the IBEW and attended the Yakima unit meetings well into his retirement.

Neil was initiated into Local 112 as an apprentice wireman in 1961 and completed the four year program, becoming a   Journeyman Wireman in June, 1965.  He worked the early part of his career in the Yakima area before going to the Hanford area in 1977, where he worked until his retirement. We extend our sympathies to the  family  and friends of our deceased  Brother.

Douglas A. Day  1955- 2020

Douglas A. Day passed away on September 2, 2020 after a long battle with cancer.  He was 65 years of age. He was initiated into Local 112 as an apprentice wireman in May, 1976 and completed the apprenticeship program, becoming a Journeyman Wireman in 1981. .Brother Day was a 44 year member of the IBEW.  

Doug lived in the Yakima area and worked for shops near home when he could, but worked many jobs on the Hanford site  before retiring in 2014. 

Lloyd Hochhalter   1942- 2020

Brother Lloyd Hochhalter passed away on August 4, 2020 at the age of  77.  He was initiated into Local 112 in 1994 as a Journeyman Wireman  and was a 26 year member of the IBEW.  He worked throughout Local 112’s jurisdiction, but tried to catch jobs on the Oregon side, as he was a member of the Hermiston unit, before retiring in 2008.We extend our sympathies to the  family  and friends of our deceased  Brother.

 Norman C. Nix 1966 - 2020

Brother Norman Nix passed away on June 6, 2020 at the age of 53 after suffering injuries sustained in a dirt bike accident in Idaho.  Norman was initiated into Local 112 in 1993 as a Journeyman Wireman, while working for Bailey Electric in Yakima.  Having come from the non-union side of the industry, Brother Nix was very proud of his 27 year IBEW  membership and was proud to wear the many t-shirts he bought. Norman moved to Wisconsin in the late nineties and then to Las Vegas, where he worked for the past many years.  He has not worked in Local 112’s jurisdiction since 1998. 

Charley “Ray” Batson 1925 - 2020

Brother Ray Batson passed away on May 3, 2020 at the age of 94.  He was a 55 year member of the IBEW, having been initiated as a  Journeyman    Wireman in Local 112  in 1965.    Brother Batson worked many jobs throughout the jurisdiction during his career  and  enjoyed working.  He left his last job at the age of 79, when he went on pension in 2004.

Randall Lewellen 1956 - 2020

Brother Randy Lewellen passed away on April 30, 2020 at the age of 63 after a long courageous battle with cancer.  Brother Lewellen was     initiated into Local 112 in 1997 as a Journeyman Wireman and worked for several of the local shops during his career with   Local 112.   He was a 23 year member and retired in 20

Larry J. Block 1949 - 2020

Brother Larry Block passed away on April 27, 2020 at the age of  70.  He began his career as an apprentice   wireman with Local 112, having been initiated in March, 1973 and    becoming a Journeyman in 1976.  He was a 47 year member of the IBEW. Larry worked for several contractors through his career and preferred to work on the smaller jobs. He spent much of his career with Aztech   Electric,      before retiring in 2009.

Robert O. Hauge 1926 - 2020

Brother Robert Hauge passed away on April 13, 2020 at the age of 93 after contracting the coronavirus.   He was initiated into Local 112 in 1952 as a Journeyman Wireman and worked for many contractors on many different sites during his career in the IBEW.  He was a 68 year member and was retired for 29 years. Brother Hauge will     always be remembered for his big smile that lit up the room when he came through the door.

Adam Bruce 1981 - 2020

Brother Adam Bruce passed away on March 9, 2020 at the age of 38.  Brother Bruce was an apprentice wireman  who began his apprenticeship in June, 2017.    He joined Local Union 112, IBEW in October of 2018 and was currently  working for OEG at the data centers in Oregon.

Martin Detty 1934 - 2020

Brother Martin E. Detty passed away at the age of 85 on February 15, 2020.   Brother Detty was initiated into the IBEW  by Local 569 in July, 1960, where he served his apprenticeship.   He was a 60 year member of the IBEW. He      began working out of Local 112 in 1965  and worked mainly in the Yakima    area for the shops.   His Traveling Card was accepted by Local 112 in 1978.  He        continued to work in the Yakima area  until 1986, at which time he went to work on the Hanford Project where he worked until 1991.  He went on “official’ retirement in 1999 and continued to live in the Yakima area.

Mark Morantes 1949 - 2020

Brother Mark Morantes passed away on February 12, 2020 when his plane went down in the Pacific Ocean.  Mark began his electrical career in 1973 as an apprentice wireman with Lord Electric, where he worked throughout his apprenticeship. He was a 47 year member of the IBEW.During his career with Local 112, he worked for several different   contractors on various projects   before moving to Goldendale in Local 48’s jurisdiction and opening his shop, Big River Electric.  He was a contractor until his retirement in 2014.  Brother Morantes greatest passion was flying and he took pride in  restoring old planes and logged many miles as a pilot.  

Jessie Bowen 1975 - 2019
Brother Jessie Bowen passed away on September 1, 2019 at the age of 43.  Jessie began working as an apprentice wireman in 2001 and completed the five year apprenticeship      program through Local 112 and became a Journeyman Wireman in 2006.  Brother Bowen preferred  working for the smaller contractors , but did work on the Hanford site as well.  He was a 17 year member of Local 112 and the IBEW.

David Leseman 1947 - 2019
Brother David Leseman passed away on August 15, 2019 at the age of 71 after a battle with lung cancer.   Dave was initiated as a Journeyman Wireman in to Local 112 in 1981.   He lived in Dayton, but worked much of his career on the Hanford site, as well as other sites throughout the jurisdiction.   Brother Leseman retired in 2007 and was a 38 year IBEW member.

Steve Feiling 1953 - 2019
Brother Steve Feiling passed away on August 8, 2019 at the age of 65 after a courageous  battle with cancer.   Steve was initiated into Local 112 in 1996 as a Journeyman Wireman .   He worked throughout Local 112’s jurisdiction in both Washington & Oregon , but most        recently, stayed in the Oregon area.   He was an IBEW member for 23 years and retired in April of this year.    A celebration of Steve's life will be held on Saturday, September 28th atthe Sun Ridge at noon.  Lunch will be provided so please RSVP at 541-720-4422.

Steven W. Johnson 1955 - 2019
Brother Steven Johnson passed away on August 1, 2019 at the age of 63 after suffering  cardiac arrest while jet-skiing.    Steve was initiated into the IBEW by Local 112 in 1979 and completed the inside apprenticeship program, becoming a Journeyman Wireman in 1982.  Throughout his career, he worked on many projects for a variety of contractors and enjoyed working for the small shop contractors.   He went to work at the VIT site in 2013 where he stayed until his retirement.  Brother Johnson was a 40 year member of the IBEW.  His wife, Lori, is Local Union 112's Office Manager.

Darwin R. Roberts 1940 - 2018

Brother Darwin R. Roberts passed away on December 16, 2018 at the age of 78.   He was initiated into Local 112 in 1966 as an apprentice wireman  and completed the four year program, becoming a Journeyman Wireman in 1969.   Brother Roberts was a 52 year member of the IBEW.

Dar lived in the Tri-Cities and  worked mainly on the Hanford project during his years in construction.  In 1988 he went to work for Battelle and stayed there until his early retirement in 2002.

DANIEL MANION 1958 - 2018

Brother Dan Manion passed away on February 22, 2018 at the young age of 59.   He began working as an apprentice wireman in 1981 and completed the four year    construction program, becoming a Journeyman Wireman in 1985.  He was a 36 year member of the Local 112 and the IBEW.

Dan started his apprenticeship on the Hanford Project, but worked the vast majority of his career in shops—two of them to be exact—Magnum Electric and Sun River Electric.   He worked over 20 years for Magnum Electric before becoming a Washington State Electrical Inspector in 2013.  Dan was still working as an inspector at the time of his death.  

DWIGHT MYERS - 1926 - 2018

Brother Dwight E. Myers passed away on  February 5, 2018 at the age of 91 after a   battle with lung cancer.    Brother Myers was initiated into Local 112 in October, 1948 and began his career working for shops in the Yakima area.  2018 marked his 70th Year as an IBEW member.

Brother Myers served on the Executive Board of Local 112 for several years.. He spent many years working in shops, but also ran many jobs for various  contractors on the Hanford Project, as well as dams on the Snake River before his retirement in 1988. 

RONALD L. MOORE 1949 - 2017

Brother Ronald L. Moore passed away  after a brief illness on November 16, 2017 at the age of 67,  eight days before his 68 birthday.  Brother Moore was initiated into Local 112 in 1975 as an apprentice wireman and completed the four year inside apprenticeship program through this Local Union, becoming a Journeyman in March of 1979. He was a 42 year member of the IBEW. Throughout his career, Ron worked jurisdiction before retiring in 2014.

Our sympathies and prayers go out to his family and friends.  His nephew, Craig Moore and great nephew, Jacob Moore, are also members of Local 112.

Services are scheuled for Monday, November 27th @ 1:00 p.m. at Muellers Greenlee Funeral Home located at 1608 W. Court Street in Pasco

GARY B. POWELL 1942 - 2017

Brother Gary B. Powell passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Saturday,  September 9, 2017 at the age of 74.   Brother Powell was initiated in to Local 112 in 1973 as an apprentice wireman  and completed the four year program, becoming a Journeyman Wireman on September, 1976.  He was a 44 year member of the IBEW.

Gary lived in the Hermiston area so worked in Oregon when work was available there over the years.  He also worked for several contractors on the Hanford Project during his career, before retiring in 2007.

David A. Thompson 1941 - 2017

Graveside services - Thursday, July 27th @ 10:00 a.m. @ Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1401 So. Union Street, Kennewick

Brother David A. Thompson passed away on Friday, July 21st at the age of  76.  Dave was initiated into the IBEW in 1971 and was a 46 year member.  He worked on several construction projects throughout Local 112’s jurisdiction before retiring in 2011.  He was a car and boat enthusiast  and enjoyed his many collectibles.   Dave was always very outgoing to anyone he met and always welcomed you with a big hello.

ROBERT T. HENRICH 1946- 2017

Brother Robert "Tom" Henrich passed away on Saturday, June 3rd at his cabin outside of Dayton, Washington after suffering a heart attack.  He was 71 years old.  Tom was a 45 year member of the IBEW and was initiated into Local 112 as an apprentice wireman in 1972.  He completed the four year program and became a Journeyman Wireman in  1975.  During his career, Tom worked  mostly in the commercial sector for shops, before becoming co-owner of Magnum Electric with Greg Galpin in 1992.

Tom was highly respected and very well liked by everyone who worked for him, along with his peers in the electrical industry.  After retiring in 2008, he spent much of his time in Dayton running his storage units and coffee stand.  He loved spending time at his cabin. 

ROBERT L. FRIEND 1946 - 2017

Brother Robert L. Friend passed away on May 21, 2017 at the age of 70, after suffering with several medical issues over the years.

He was initiated into Local 112 in 1976 as an apprentice and completed the four year program, becoming a Journeyman Wireman in 1980.  Bob lived in the Hermiston area so he tried to work in Oregon when he could.  During his career he worked for various contractors in Oregon, as well as on the Hanford site.

During the last ten years of his career, he worked maintenance for PGE in Boardman.  He retired in 2008 at age 62.   He was a 41 year member of the IBEW.

ED McDOWELL  1933 - 2017

Brother Ed McDowell passed away on April 4th at the age of 84.  Brother    McDowell was initiated into Local 73 in 1952 .  He began working out of Local 112 in  1957 as an apprentice wireman   and completed his apprenticeship through this Local Union, becoming a Journeyman Wireman in 1960.   He later deposited his Traveling Card into Local 112 in January, 1957 and remained a member in good standing.

Ed worked his career in many sectors of the industry including the Hanford Project, the Snake River Dams and small shops, before retiring in 1995.   He was a 65 year member of the IBEW

Donald Day 1933 - 2017

Brother Donald Day passed away on March 10, 2017 at the age of 83.  Brother Day was initiated into Local 112 as an apprentice wireman in 1955 and completed his apprenticeship, becoming a Journeyman Wireman in 1958.  He worked much of his career for the small shops in the Yakima area  doing commercial and light   industrial work, but did venture to the Hanford Site a few times before  retiring in 1995.  He was a 61 year member. Don’s son, Doug, is also a member of  #112.

FORREST BAUGHER 1934 - 2017

Brother  Forrest Baugher passed away on January 5, 2017 at the age 82.    Forrest was a 57 year member of the IBEW, having been     initiated into Local 112 in 1959 as an apprentice wireman  and completing the four year apprenticeship through this  Local Union.  He lived in Parker near Yakima and worked for several of the shops in that area. He was  appointed as a  Business Representative for Local 112 in February of 1972 and held that position for 12 years, until March, 1984.

"Forrie" was very passionate about the labor movement and got involved in the political arena.  He was a State Representative in Olympia  for his Yakima district from November, 1985 until November, 1991. 

He was also had a large orchard in Parker for many, many years, which kept him busy until recently.

We extend our sympathies to the family and friends of  Brother Forrest Baugher.

LARRY G. SCOTT 1944- 2016

Brother Larry Scott passed away on October 30, 2016 at the age of 72 after suffering with Parkinson’s Disease for many years.   

Brother Scott was initiated into the IBEW in 1966 as an     apprentice wireman  and completed the four year inside  program through Local 112.    He worked for several       contractors throughout his 40 year career, including shops in the Yakima area and large jobs on the Hanford Site.  His later years in his career were worked at Hanford for   Empire  Electric, Kaiser & Fluor Federal Services, before  retiring in 2005.

Brother Scott received his 50 year membership pin this year, in 2016.  We extend our sympathies to the family and friends of  Brother Larry Scott.

PAUL E. KRAMER 1955 - 2016

Brother Paul E. Kramar passed away on Saturday, October 8th after a long battle with cancer.  He was 61 years old.  Brother Kramar was initiated into Local 112 in 1979 as an apprentice wireman and completed the four year  apprenticeship program through this Local Union, becoming a Journeyman Wireman in April of 1983. 

Brother Kramar liked adventure. A few months after he turned out, he left the jurisdiction, bought a sailboat and headed for the Virgin Islands, where he lived for several years.   After returning to Local 112 in 1991, he lived on his boat for quite some time.

Paul started Kramar Electric in 2000 and had a contract with the railroad at the yard in Hinkle, Oregon for several years.  At the end of his career, he worked in Alaska out of Local 1547, which he truly enjoyed.  

Gerald E. Christian 1943 - 2016

Brother Gerald E. Christian passed away on September 5, 2016 from injuries he sustained in a semi truck accident after suffering a heart attack.  He was 72 years old and a 46 year member of the IBEW.   Brother Christian was initiated into Local  112 in 1970 as an apprentice  wireman and completed the four year program through this Local Union, becoming a Journeyman Wireman in 1973.  He lived in the Yakima area and worked the majority of his career for shops  in that area, but worked a short time on the Hanford Project, as well.  After retiring in 2004, Brother Christian became  truck driver.

Our sympathies and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Bill McCann 1962- 2016

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 1st at the Highland Grange Hall, located at 1600 So.Union Street in Kennewick, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Brother Bill McCann passed away on Monday, August 29, 2016 at the age of 54  after suffering a heart attack on the job at the VIT Plant on the Hanford Project.   Bill was a 28 year member of the IBEW, having been initiated into Local Union 112 as an apprentice  wireman on  September 6, 1988.  He completed the inside apprenticeship  program through this Local Union and became a Journeyman Wireman  in 1992.   During his career, Brother McCann worked for several     contractors on many different projects.  He had been working for Bechtel on the VIT Plant since September, 2007. 

We extend our sympathies to the family and friends of  Brother McCann.

JOHN C. ANTOLICK - 1982- 2016

"Services will be held on Saturday, August 27th @ 1:00 p.m.

Central United Protestant Church, 1124 Stevens Drive, Richland"

Brother John C. Antolick passed away on August 3, 2016 at the age of 34.   Brother Antolick was initiated into the IBEW by Local 112 in May, 2003 and completed the five year Inside Apprenticeship Program.  He became a Journeyman Wireman in April, 2008 and was also a certified  welder.

Brother Antolick worked for various contractors throughout his short career.   John was              pre-deceased by his father, Joe Antolick, an IBEW member, last year.

RANDALL DAINTY 1924 - 2016

Brother Randall Dainty passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at the age of 91.  Brother Dainty began working out of Local 112 in 1978  was initiated into the Local Union in June, 1979, making him a 37 year member of the IBEW. He enjoyed working in the shops during his career, but also worked for various contractors  on the Hanford Project at times.

Brother Dainty retired in June of 1993 and moved to Oklahoma to be closer to his family.

JENS OLSEN   1918 - 2016

Local 112’s oldest member, Brother Jens Olsen, passed away on   February 15, 2016 at the age of 97.  He was a 64 year member, having been initiated into the IBEW by Local 112 in 1952.  During his 30 year career, he worked mainly for two contractors in the Walla Walla area, Woodard Brothers & Gage Electric,  before retiring in 1983.   At that time, he moved to the Vancouver area to be near family.

Brother Olsen was instrumental in starting the IBEW Local Union 112 Federal Credit Union and was the Credit Union’s  first President. 

CLARENCE "SONNY" SHAFFER

Brother Clarence “Sonny” Shaffer passed away on February 26, 2015 at the age of 93.   He was initiated into Local 112 in April, 1949 and was working for Hanford Operations, which was in the maintenance industry.   He took a traveling card  to Local 984 and worked maintenance  until returning to Local 112 in 1977.   He worked construction from that time until 1984 and  officially retired in 1987.  Brother Shaffer was a 66 year member of the IBEW .

WILLIAM L. SMITH

Brother Bill Smith passed away on November 26, 2014 at the age of 87.  Bill was initiated into the IBEW by Local 112 in 1949  as a Journeyman Wireman and was a 65 year member of the IBEW.  Prior to joining the IBEW, Bill received training as an electrician while in the Coast Guard, which he joined at the age of 15 after lying about his age !!

He worked on various jobs including the dams and the      Hanford Project until he left  construction in 1955.   Brother Smith returned to the trade in 1966 and worked on the       Hanford Project for many years for several different  contractors until his retirement in 1989. 

He has lived in Cheney, Washington since his retirement.

GEORGE R. ELGIN

 Brother George R. Elgin passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at the age of 90.  Brother Elgin was a 72 year member of the IBEW, having been initiated into Local 73 in July, 1942.

George began working out of Local 112 in 1950 and worked on the Hanford Project. He deposited his Traveling Card into Local 112 in 1965  and was elected Business Manager &          Financial Secretary in 1971.  He was the longest serving    Business Manager in the history of Local 112,    being elected by the membership for six terms, serving 18 years in that     position.    During that time, George was very highly respected among his peers and the IBEW International,  serving on many local and state committees. He  had a large role in making    Local 112 what it is today.

The Elgin family is a five generation  IBEW family.  Paul    Elgin, George’s dad, was a Local 112 wireman and his son, Skip, grandson Buster and great-grandson, J. J., are all   Local 112 members.

Brother George retired in 1989 and enjoyed a 25 year retirement.  He was pre-deceased by his wife, Betty.

Services are on Thursday, September 4th at 2:00 p.m. at Mueller's on Union Street in Kennewick.

JOHN R. MYERS

Brother John R. Myers passed away on Monday, August 25th at the age of 64   after a courageous battle with cancer.  John was initiated into the Local 112 as an apprentice wireman in 1975 and completed the four year apprenticeship  program.  He worked for various               contractors until opening his own shop, Electro Service, in 1985.   John operated his shop until 2012, at which time he went to work for Sun River Electric as an estimator, before retiring in April, 2013. 

John was a 39 year member of the IBEW and comes from a family of IBEW      wireman.  His father, Dwight, is a retired member and      brothers Ron & Bob are past members of Local 112.

CALVIN A. SCHUBERT

1926—2014

Brother Calvin A. Schubert passed away on  Monday, August 4th at the age of 88.   Brother Schubert began working out of Local 112 in 1953 and was initiated into this Local in June, 1954 as  a Journeyman Wireman and received his 60 year pin from the IBEW .  He worked most of his career on the Hanford Project before retiring in 1988.  A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 16th at the home of his daughter, Rae.

Dennis L. Dallas  1957 - 2014

Brother Dennis L. Dallas  passed away on Saturday, May 3rd, two weeks before his 57th birthday, after being diagnosed with an extremely aggressive cancer in January of this year.

Dennis completed the apprenticeship  program through Local Union 112 in 1982.  He left the trade for a few years and was re-initiated into #112 in 2006 and worked for Sun River until November, 2012.  At that time, he went to work for Apollo and  worked in various countries overseas, with his most recent job being in Korea. 

MARVIN E. POWELL 1919 - 2014

Brother Marin E. Powell passed away on February 18, 2014 at the age of 94.   Brother Powell  was initiated  on September  9, 1946 by Local Union #73, making him a 67 year He began working out of Local 112 in 1947 and deposited his Traveling Card into Local 112 later in that year. 

He lived in Walla Walla and worked for various shops in Walla Walla and the Hermiston & Pendleton areas during the majority of his career before retiring in 1981. 

JACK E. FLEMING 1930 - 2013

Brother Jack E. Fleming  died on Sunday, December 15, 2013 at the age of 84.  Brother Fleming  had continuous membership in the IBEW since 1966 , when he was initiated as a  Journeyman Wireman .  Jack worked the majority of his career on the Hanford Project, but also spent time working on the Lower Granite and Little Goose Dams on the  Snake River in the 1970’s. 

Brother Fleming was a 47 year member of the IBEW and retired in 1992. He is survived by his wife, Florence and his sons, Jim and John Fleming, who are   members of IBEW Local 112 also, along with his grandson, Josh Gooler,  and son-in-law, Gary Gooler. A memorial Mass will be held at the Holy Family Catholic Churchon Friday, December 20th at 10:30 a.m.

GEORGE GOULET  1936 - 2013

Brother George M. Goulet passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at the age of 77.  Brother Goulet was initiated into Local 112 in May, 1966 as an apprentice wireman and  completed the four year inside program. He became a Journeyman Wireman in 1969 and was a 47 year IBEW member.

George worked for many contractors throughout his IBEW career, working for the small contractors in the shops and on the Hanford site as well.  He was a contractor in 1986 & 1987 and owned Restaurant Supply and Service Co.. He returned to the tools for a few years after closing his shop before retiring in 1995. 

Frank Gresser 1930 - 2013

Brother Frank B. Gresser  died Thursday, November 21, 2013 at the age of 83.  Brother Gresser was initiated into  the IBEW by  Local Union 714 in North Dakota in 1959 .  He began working out of Local 112 in 1971 and deposited his Traveling Card into Local 112 in 1975.

During his career, Brother Gresser worked for many contractors on both commercial and industrial projects .  He also  traveled to California in the eighties when work was slow in Local Union 112’s jurisdiction.    Brother Gresser retired in 1993.

David E. Johnson 1928 - 2013

Brother David E. Johnson passed away on Friday, November 8, 2013 at the age of 85.  Brother Johnson was a 60 year member of the IBEW, having been initiated into Local 659 in 1953.  He began working out of Local 112 in 1960 and deposited his traveling card into this Local Union in 1969.   In his early years working out of Local 112, Brother Johnson worked for a few shops but worked the majority of his career on the Hanford Project, mainly for Empire Electric.  He retired in 1990 and moved to Priest River, Idaho.

Cordell "Larry" Birge 1921 - 2013

Brother Cordell “Larry” Birge passed away on September 21, 2013 at the age of 92.  Larry was initiated into the IBEW by Local Union 73 in 1943 and began working out of Local 112 in 1948. 

His Traveling Card was accepted by Local 112 in 1949. Brother Birge worked for a variety of contractors on many different projects including the Hanford Area and commercial projects.   He was a superintendent on the Hanford site from 1973 to 1979, at which time he went back to work as a Journeyman Wireman.  He last worked at the Hanford #1 & #4 sites before retiring in 1983.     

Brother Birge was a 70 year member of the IBEW.

PAUL GAUSE  1929 - 2013

Brother Paul Gause passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at the age of 84.  Brother Gause was initiated into Local 112 in 1952 as an apprentice wireman and completed the four year     apprenticeship program through this Local Union. 

Paul lived in the Yakima area and worked on several projects in the Yakima and Lower Valley areas during his career.   He spent the last ten years of his career with Empire Electric on the      Hanford Project  before suffering a stroke in 1986, at which time he went on disability pension.   

He received his 60 year pin  in 2012.

Leonard "Rope" McClanahan  1931-2013

Brother Leonard McClanahan " Rope" passed away on July 30, 2013 at the age of 82.  Rope was initiated into Local 112 as an apprentice wireman in 1956 and completed the four year apprenticeship program through this Local Union. He was a 57 year IBEW member.

He worked the majority of his career on the Hanford Project spending many years with Empire Electric and Lord Electric.  He served as a job steward and was also a member of the Executive Board during his career.

TED DAVIS  1958- 2013

Brother Ted Davis passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at the age of 55 after a short battle with cancer.  He was initiated into Local 112 as a Journeyman Wireman  in August, 2011 and was dispatched to Sierra Electric shortly thereafter, where he was employed at the time of his death.  His son, Bryon, is also a member of Local 112.

ROBERT R. BROWN

Brother Robert R. Brown passed away  on June 27, 2013 at the age of  88.  He was initiated into the IBEW in 1952 by Local 112  as a Journeyman Wireman  and was a  61 year member.

Robert lived in  Yakima and worked many years for  various shops in that area.  He also worked several years on the Hanford Project for several different contractors  before retiring in 1988.