Described by Canada’s largest private sector union as a beloved and iconic figure in Canada’s labour movement, Buzz Hargrove has died at the age of 81.
Born in Bath, New Brunswick, Unifor says Hargrove grew up in a family of 10 children and began working on the shop floor of Chrysler’s assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario.
He became national president of the C-A-W from 1992 until his retirement in 2008 when he reached the union’s mandatory retirement age of 65.
As CAW president, Hargrove led negotiations with major employers including General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Air Canada and CN Rail, securing gains that elevated standards across sectors, as he reflected on in a 2012 interview.
“I think there’s a new spirit of cooperation, I think there’s a better understanding,” Hargrove explained, “There’s nothing that lasts forever and you have to be constantly on guard, you have to be willing to make changes and make them in advance of a crisis as opposed to waiting until the crisis forces the changes on all of us.”
His later activities included over a year with the NHL Players’ Association, working first on the union’s advisory board and then as interim ombudsman.
Hargrove also served as director of the Centre for Labour Management Relations at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University.
And he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2008.
Details on a celebration of Buzz Hargrove’s life will be shared in the coming days.
Unifor Local 584
Local 584 Mandarin Spring luncheon
Wednesday June 18, 2025 - 12 Noon
This is open to all 584 members and their spouses
Please send an email if you would like to attend.
Retiree David McKnight passed away on May 18, 2025
He Retired October 1, 1995 with 31 Years of Service
He will be sadly missed.
July 4, 1933 – May 18, 2025.
Obituary
Predeceased by his daughter Brenda and his wife Mary. Survived by Daughter Jacqueline (Jackie), son-in-law John Bowie, and Son Ernest (Ted) McKnight, grandchildren Jenanne, Denis, Katelin and Hayden. David leaves behind his sister Isabel, brother-in-law Gerry Park, sister-in-law Lynn and brother-in-law Ross Bonar and sister in law Sandy. Predeceased by his sister Irene and brother-in-law Ken Byers, brother Earl McKnight, sister-in-law Anna Jane, sister in-law Carol, brother-in-law Bill Gibson and brother in-law David Ottewell.
David was a hardworking man who took pride in his accomplishments. David left the family farm in Oliphant at a young age of 14 to work in farming on the Prairies, returned to Ontario and was a seaman on the Great Lakes freighters. David had many other various jobs at Goodyear and Canadian Steel Improvement. He worked for the Ford Motor Company on assembly and in the parts division for over 30 years.
David was a devoted family man. He loved to be involved in Ted’s sports and was Equipment Manager for the Lacrosse Club and spent many hours in the arenas. He enjoyed the music programs Jackie was involved in and the dance presentations Brenda was part of.
His Grandchildren became the focus and spent as much time as he could with them. The time at the cottage was especially cherished, even cutting the grass demanded a day trip. He loved the many family events on the Black River in Washago. David retired to care for Mary, and after her passing, became involved with the Wesley United Church and volunteered at the Food Bank. He joined the Horner Seniors Centre and volunteered cooking for BBQ's and helping with dinners. David was keen to go on the bus trips and be with the members in many events. When he went into the LTC home, he assumed the role of caregiver pushing wheelchairs and reporting to staff on the well being of his fellow residents.
His nieces and nephews will remember him as the uncle who was a kind, friendly man, always with a smile on his face and genuine laugh. His family will remember him as a generous man who loved unconditionally and with unwavering devotion. Many will remember David as a loyal and true friend. The family would like to thank the staff at the Westbury Long Term Care home, 3rd floor, for their excellent care. He was offered a safe and happy home for the last 5 years.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
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Retiree Meeting May 7, 2025
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April 28, 2025 Day of Mourning
Remembering Shara Flanigan
Chris Wilski with Jameet Singh at the Medicare 3.0
Conference in Ottawa February 24, 2025
Local 584 Mandarin Christmas luncheon
Held December 11, 2024
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$300 Donation from Local 584 Retirees
Given to Brampton Legion - Nov 2024
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Thanksgiving Luncheon held
October 11, 2024
was a great success !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We collected almost 300 lbs of food and
total
donations of $1,200.00 to The Knights Table
Chris Wilski elected to Unifor Retired Workers
Executive
at Retired Workers Conference
Local 584 Donates $300 to the Legion
Congratulations to Retiree
Sandy Knight on her
Retirement July 1, 2024
Wishing her many years of Good Health and Happiness!
Donation to the Canadian Legion
Unifor Local 584 Retirees Executive:
Chair - Chris Wilski
Vice-Chair - Barb Morrison
Recording Secretary - Alison White
Financial Secretary - Pat Riley
Sgt at Arms - Reg Galbraith
Guide - Sandy Pitman
Member at Large - Roz Monchamp
Meetings are the first Wednesday
of the month at 1pm.
(Unless otherwise stated)
Retiree Robert (Bob) Stevenson
Passes away March 26, 2025
Retired July 1, 2008
42.2 Years of service August 5, 1944 - March 26, 2025
Our Deepest Condolences go out to his
Wife, Daughters and Family.
Robert Carr Stevenson Obituary
Peacefully in his sleep, Robert (Bob) Carr Stevenson passed away on March 26, 2025, in his 81st year. He is survived and will be greatly missed by his beloved life partner and best friend, his wife of 58 years, Marsha. Bob was a proud and loving father to his deeply cherished daughters, Lori (Ian) Kendrick and Julie (Kenny)
Begley, and a doting grandpa to his treasured grandchildren, Sarah, Leah, Liam and Kaitlyn. He will also be lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews and friends.
Born in Dauphin, Manitoba, and raised in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, Bob dedicated 42 years of his life to his role at Ford Motor Company, Bramalea, Ontario, where he was a
valued employee and a reliable presence. A man who truly believed in the importance of family, Bob would never miss an opportunity to attend his grandchildren’s sporting
activities. He was a true example of the motto, “work hard, play hard.” Bob was a loyal Leafs fan and loved his coffee and cruising with his Marshy. His warm spirit, laughter and love for his family were the center of his life.
The stories and memories of Bob's life will be shared by family and friends at a celebration of life on April 5, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Antrim Glen Clubhouse, 104 Glenarm Circle, Freelton.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bob's memory to The Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Visitation Monday, March 10, 2025
1:00PM - 2:00PM
Jones Funeral Ho
me
11582 Trafalgar Rd.
Georgetown, ON L7G4Y5
Memorial Service
Monday, March 10, 2025
2:00PM
Jones Funeral Home
11582 Trafalgar Rd.
Georgetown, ON L7G4Y5
Leslie 'Les' Deforest Obituary
Deforest, Leslie - Passed away peacefully, on March 4th, 2025, in his 79th year, at his home surrounded by his loving family and his best fur friend Susie. Beloved husband of Donna for 59 years of marriage. Dear father of Rodney Deforest (Dani) and the late Michelle Deforest. Loving uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Les is predeceased by his brothers Tom, Allan, Peter and his favorite cousin Maurice “Moe” Deforest. He is survived by his brother Donnie and his sisters Mary, Laurie, Cheryl and Marlene.
Leslie will be deeply missed by his in-laws and by all those who knew him.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Leslie found peace in nature. As a man who loved the outdoors, Leslie took great pride in his property and vegetable gardens, spending countless hours nurturing them. He was also a dedicated baseball coach and player, sharing his passion for the sport with many.
Family and friends will be received at the Jones Funeral Home, 11582 Trafalgar Road, Georgetown on Monday, March 10th from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the chapel at 2 p.m. A reception will be held following the service.
In honour of Leslie, memorial donations may be made to CASHH.
Unifor members to gather in Windsor for mass rally against the tariffs, Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi tours Atlantic Packaging, registration is open for the Red Dress Day webinar, April 28 Day of Mourning, Bud Jimmerfield Award nominations, Aerospace Council statement on U.S. tariffs, health care and social services tour comes to Ontario, Unifor takes aim at Bell executive bonuses, Cowichan Valley transit strike rally video, Ontario Town Hall review, Unifor members hit the doorsteps with Samia Hashi, Unifor calls out HBC for violating the collective agreement, auto tariff developments, and Asian Heritage Month.
Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi toured Atlantic Packaging, where Unifor Local 333 members produce and distribute packaging materials.
Join Unifor’s Rally to Protect Canadian Jobs this Saturday, either in person in Windsor or online, as we stand together against unfair U.S. tariffs and defend Canada’s economic sovereignty.
Unifor's Aerospace Council urges a strong government response to U.S. tariffs that protects aerospace workers and delivers a national industrial strategy.
Unifor celebrates Asian Heritage Month by honouring the contributions of Asian workers whose leadership, resilience, and activism have strengthened our union and country.