June 2002 IBEW Journal

Retired

Louis Cortopassi, Jr.

International Representative Louis Cortopassi, Jr. closed his career of service to the IBEW with his May 1, 2002 retirement.

A lifelong resident of central California, Brother Cortopassi spent the past 19 years serving manufacturing locals and organizing industrial workers in the Ninth District. Accomplished in grievance investigation and presentation, Brother Cortopassi is also experienced in steward and officer training.

Brother Cortopassi was initiated into then- Local 1969 in Redwood City, California, in 1958, where he produced sheet metal for the electronics industry. After serving as a shop steward, business representative and assistant business manager, he was elected business manager/financial secretary in 1976 and served until his appointment to the district staff. A member of the executive board of the California Association of Electrical Workers, Brother Cortopassi served on central labor councils in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. He attended courses at the University of San Francisco Labor School.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Brother Cortopassi is a woodworking and gardening enthusiast. He and his wife, Jacquelynn, have two children and two grandchildren. In his retirement, he plans to spend more time on his hobbies, including building a woodworking shed. The IBEW officers, staff and members wish Brother Cortopassi a long and healthy retirement.1

Deceased

John M. Parker

With great sadness, the IBEW announces the March 23, 2002, death of former International Office Construction and Maintenance Department Director John McKim "Kim" Parker.

Brother Parker was initiated into Local 968 in Parkersburg, West Virginia in May 1940. He served the local as business manager and financial secretary and was president of the West Virginia Building Trades Council. He was assigned to the International Office as an International Representative in 1953. In 1960, he was appointed Director of the Construction and Maintenance Department. Brother Parker represented the IBEW as a member of the National Joint Board of the Building Trades Department and was instrumental in inaugurating the first IBEW Construction Conference in 1960.

Brother Parker spent three years in the Atlantic theatre as a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a Shriner.

Following his 1991 retirement, Brother Parker moved to Florida. He was a father of five and a grandfather of 12. The officers, staff and members of the IBEW extend condolences to Brother Parkers wife, Bertha, and his family and friends.

Transitions

Retired

Orville A. Tate, Jr.

Vincent A. O'Reilly

Louis Cortopassi, Jr.

Appointed

Jonathan B. Gardner

Lawrence F. Neidig, Jr.

Deceased

John M. Parker