The labour community in Windsor-Essex is mourning one of their own.
Former CAW National President Ken Lewenza confirmed the death of Rolly Marentette to BlackburnNews.com Thursday morning.
Lewenza says Marentette passed away at his home Wednesday.
"I"ve known him my whole working career. Rolly started at Chrysler's in 1968. I started in 1972," says Lewenza.
He says he found out three months ago Marentette had cancer.
Lewenza says Marentette was, "genuine, honest, hardworking and an incredible advocate for education along the lines of health and safety and obviously, a huge advocate for injured workers."
"I recall in the early days of our Day of Mourning [for workers injured and killed on the job], Rolly took on the task to make it more significant," Lewenza remembers. "Rolly said injured workers and those that died on the job deserve to have a monument that recognizes their contribution to society."
The monument sits in Reaume Park on Riverside Dr. E.
Many paid tribute on Twitter Thursday morning.
Windsor/Essex has lost a Labour Giant. Rolly Marentette fought tirelessly for injured workers. Rest in peace my friend. @LOCAL444UNIFOR pic.twitter.com/QsHiw0eVuP
— Tracey Ramsey (@traceyram) May 25, 2017
Unifor Local 444 is saddened by the loss of one of our long time Health & Safety labour activists, and local 444... https://t.co/5SuD3CDgQE— Local 444 Unifor (@LOCAL444UNIFOR) May 25, 2017
Funeral arrangements have not been released, but BlackburnNews.com will publish those details once they are known.
