In memoriam

This special issue of Solidarity is dedicated to former UAW President Douglas A. Fraser.

Doug, as he was known to most everyone, died Feb. 23, 2008, of complications from a long battle with emphysema.

His influence on the labor movement in general and the UAW in particular could fill volumes. In this issue we pay tribute to Doug by looking back at his early years as a young boy coming to America, his rise through the ranks to union leadership, his years as UAW president and his retirement – if you could call it that – when he taught and lectured at Wayne State and other universities, passing on his wealth of knowledge to future generations.

Doug, we'll miss your easy-going manner and trademark grin. But most of all we'll just miss you.

The UAW extends its deepest sympathy to Doug’s wife, Winifred, and their family.

Features

• From the President
• A tough man for tough times
• Poverty has powerful lessons for a young Doug
• Rising through the ranks
• The organizer becomes a beloved labor leader
• Retirement
• His example is one we all can follow
• A daughter’s remembrances
• The wit and wisdom of Doug
• Special UAW.ORG section on Douglas A. Fraser

Memorial service April 12

A public memorial service for former UAW President Doug Fraser will be held April 12 at 2 p.m. in the Community Arts Auditorium, 450 Reuther Mall at Wayne State University in Detroit.

You may RSVP online (specialevents.wayne. edu/fraser/), or call (313) 577-0300 by April 8.

A special Doug Fraser Exhibit at the Walter P. Reuther Library will open to the public April 14. For exhibit information, visit reuther.wayne.edu.

Complimentary parking for the service and exhibit is available in structures #1 and # 6.

Those wishing to honor Doug’s memory can make a donation to the Walter P. Reuther Library Endowment.

Make your check payable to Wayne State University and put “For the Reuther Library Endowment in Memory of Doug Fraser” on the note line.

Mail your check to:
Mike Smith, director,The Reuther Library,
5401 Cass Ave.,
Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202.