Doug: He was a perfect representative of the UAW
It is an honor for the UAW to pay special tribute to Doug Fraser and his life in this issue of Solidarity.
We recognize that any attempt to capture the life of such a vibrant individual in a few pages is a grave injustice; however, it is through this forum that we are provided with the opportunity to express our love and appreciation for the sixth president of our union.
Doug’s life epitomized living the American dream. It was because of his background and ethics that he was able to serve the membership of our union in a manner that was above reproach.
Doug never forgot the “sacred trust” that was bestowed on him to serve the best interests of our members and their families. Under Doug’s tenure there was never even a hint of an appearance of a conflict of interest.
It was because of his leadership that the UAW is a stronger and better union, and our membership, active and retired, were well served during his tenure.
In the UAW, among those in organized labor and on the circuit he traveled, all anyone had to say was “Doug,” and that was enough for everyone to know who you were talking about.
You could not help but have a warm feeling at the mention of Doug’s name and a special pride in the fact that he was a perfect representative of the UAW.
His tenure as president of our union ended at the 27th UAW Constitutional Convention in Dallas on May 19, 1983, when he turned the gavel over to President Owen Bieber.
But Doug never walked away from being a representative of the UAW. He went on to live a full life in his role as labor educator, and he was extremely proud to occupy an office at the Reuther Library at Wayne State University in Detroit.
In our own minds, each of us has personal reflections and memories of Doug.
He always seemed to be there for our union regardless of the circumstances, and he always reminded us that it was never about any one individual but always about the membership.
In his final speech to the convention as president, Doug said the following:
"This union has been my school and my college and my education. This union has opened the door to worlds that I never dreamed of. I met with presidents and with prime ministers and other leaders of the world, and engaged in important and stimulating meetings."
"It wasn’t me who went through the door; it was you who went through that door. I went through there, because you let me be a leader of this great institution."
We all feel a great void with the death of Doug. Our union family lost a wonderful friend, mentor and a great trade unionist.
Ron Gettelfinger
