Wichita Eagle, Sunday, December 24, 2000
Aldrich, Richard M. "Henry," 61, District 70 Machinist Union directing business representative and Wichita and Hutchinson Labor Federation president, died Friday, Dec. 22, 2000. Service 2 p.m. Thursday, Northside Church of Christ.
Survivors: wife, Jacqueline; son, Jimmie of Wichita; daughters, Tammy Hicks of Belle Plaine, Belinda Farrar of El Dorado; brother, Ronnie Ogden of Belton, Mo.; sisters, Doris Romera of Belton, Mo., Sherrie Herrick, Renita Ogden both of Lees Summit, Mo.; stepfather, Boyd Ogden of Belton, Mo.; six grandchildren. Memorial established with Guiding Eyes of America. Lakeview Funeral Home.
Wichita Eagle, Saturday, December 23, 2000
UNION LEADER, 61, DIES FROM CRASH INJURIES -- RICHARD ALDRICH, PRESIDENT OF DISTRICT 70 OF THE MACHINISTS UNION, HAD WORKED ON BEHALF OF UNION MEMBERS FOR 40 YEARS.:
Longtime local labor leader Richard Aldrich, described by one colleague as "the best friend the workingman ever had," died Friday of injuries suffered in automobile accident last week.
At the time of his death, Mr. Aldrich, 61, was the president and directing business representative of the Machinists union, District Lodge 70, which represents nearly 17,000 workers at Wichita's aircraft plants and several other factories in the area. That job was just the latest, however, in 40 years of work on behalf of union members.
"He was very devoted to the working people and did his very best to serve the working people," said Ron Eldridge, a Machinists union representative and friend of Mr. Aldrich. "I think he was the workingman's best friend."
Funeral services were pending Friday night when the Aldrich family released a statement thanking the public "for its outpouring of support."
"The knowledge that Richard was loved and respected by so many has been a comfort during this most difficult time," the statement said.
The automobile accident that took Mr. Aldrich's life occurred last Saturday on Mount Vernon Road, when Mr. Aldrich's car was struck on the passenger's side by another vehicle at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Edgemoor.
In its statement, the family said: "We believe that Richard's death may have been prevented had he been wearing his seat belt. In memory of Richard, please, wear your seat belt when traveling."
Born and raised in Gove County, Mr. Aldrich came to Wichita as a young man when his stepfather took a job with Boeing. He began his union career shortly after joining Cessna as a factory worker, Eldridge said, "and from that, it gave him his beginning and his desire to serve working people." He worked his way up through the union hierarchy, serving in several capacities, including shop steward and business representative, and also served as president of the Wichita-Hutchinson Labor Federation and as a member of the Kansas State Council of Machinists.
"He had an enormous knowledge of the companies around here that we have to deal with on a daily basis," said Steve Rooney, an assistant directing business representative for the Machinists and a longtime friend.
"That knowledge was something that just he had, something you can't just pass along in your daily dealings, and it's going to be hard for us to replace."
Rooney said Mr. Aldrich would be missed on a personal level, "by all of us in the office, as well as by his family and friends."
Mr. Aldrich's son, Jimmy, said: "He did anything and everything for anybody, no questions asked. That was one of his unique qualities: He just did it without asking."
Known for his negotiating skills by people on both sides of the bargaining table, Mr. Aldrich also earned the respect of one man who found himself in the middle of many labor disputes.
"It speaks well for him that he was in his elected position, and it speaks well for his integrity and his ability to represent his people in a fair manner that meets the needs of companies and the needs of the employees. It's always kind of a balancing act," said Art Veach, a federal mediator.
"I've had the chance to work with a lot of good people on both sides, labor and management, so we get to meet the best of both worlds. And Richard ranks right up there with the best of them."
In a guest editorial that ran in The Eagle on Labor Day 1999, Mr. Aldrich explained in his own words why he had devoted his career to unions:
"Unions are standing up for human rights all around the world. We are fighting for equal pay for women and people of color in the United States, and for fair policies abroad. We continue to fight, particularly abroad, for a minimum age for child labor; freedom from forced labor; workplaces free from discrimination; and the right to join together and bargain collectively to balance the overwhelming power of global capital."
Mr. Aldrich is survived by his wife, Jackie, his son, two daughters, six grandchildren, one brother, two sisters and his stepfather.
Aldrich, Richard M. "Henry," 61, District 70 Machinist Union directing business representative and Wichita and Hutchinson Labor Federation president, died Friday, Dec. 22, 2000. Service 2 p.m. Thursday, Northside Church of Christ.
Survivors: wife, Jacqueline; son, Jimmie of Wichita; daughters, Tammy Hicks of Belle Plaine, Belinda Farrar of El Dorado; brother, Ronnie Ogden of Belton, Mo.; sisters, Doris Romera of Belton, Mo., Sherrie Herrick, Renita Ogden both of Lees Summit, Mo.; stepfather, Boyd Ogden of Belton, Mo.; six grandchildren. Memorial established with Guiding Eyes of America. Lakeview Funeral Home.
Wichita Eagle, Saturday, December 23, 2000
UNION LEADER, 61, DIES FROM CRASH INJURIES -- RICHARD ALDRICH, PRESIDENT OF DISTRICT 70 OF THE MACHINISTS UNION, HAD WORKED ON BEHALF OF UNION MEMBERS FOR 40 YEARS.:
Longtime local labor leader Richard Aldrich, described by one colleague as "the best friend the workingman ever had," died Friday of injuries suffered in automobile accident last week.
At the time of his death, Mr. Aldrich, 61, was the president and directing business representative of the Machinists union, District Lodge 70, which represents nearly 17,000 workers at Wichita's aircraft plants and several other factories in the area. That job was just the latest, however, in 40 years of work on behalf of union members.
"He was very devoted to the working people and did his very best to serve the working people," said Ron Eldridge, a Machinists union representative and friend of Mr. Aldrich. "I think he was the workingman's best friend."
Funeral services were pending Friday night when the Aldrich family released a statement thanking the public "for its outpouring of support."
"The knowledge that Richard was loved and respected by so many has been a comfort during this most difficult time," the statement said.
The automobile accident that took Mr. Aldrich's life occurred last Saturday on Mount Vernon Road, when Mr. Aldrich's car was struck on the passenger's side by another vehicle at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Edgemoor.
In its statement, the family said: "We believe that Richard's death may have been prevented had he been wearing his seat belt. In memory of Richard, please, wear your seat belt when traveling."
Born and raised in Gove County, Mr. Aldrich came to Wichita as a young man when his stepfather took a job with Boeing. He began his union career shortly after joining Cessna as a factory worker, Eldridge said, "and from that, it gave him his beginning and his desire to serve working people." He worked his way up through the union hierarchy, serving in several capacities, including shop steward and business representative, and also served as president of the Wichita-Hutchinson Labor Federation and as a member of the Kansas State Council of Machinists.
"He had an enormous knowledge of the companies around here that we have to deal with on a daily basis," said Steve Rooney, an assistant directing business representative for the Machinists and a longtime friend.
"That knowledge was something that just he had, something you can't just pass along in your daily dealings, and it's going to be hard for us to replace."
Rooney said Mr. Aldrich would be missed on a personal level, "by all of us in the office, as well as by his family and friends."
Mr. Aldrich's son, Jimmy, said: "He did anything and everything for anybody, no questions asked. That was one of his unique qualities: He just did it without asking."
Known for his negotiating skills by people on both sides of the bargaining table, Mr. Aldrich also earned the respect of one man who found himself in the middle of many labor disputes.
"It speaks well for him that he was in his elected position, and it speaks well for his integrity and his ability to represent his people in a fair manner that meets the needs of companies and the needs of the employees. It's always kind of a balancing act," said Art Veach, a federal mediator.
"I've had the chance to work with a lot of good people on both sides, labor and management, so we get to meet the best of both worlds. And Richard ranks right up there with the best of them."
In a guest editorial that ran in The Eagle on Labor Day 1999, Mr. Aldrich explained in his own words why he had devoted his career to unions:
"Unions are standing up for human rights all around the world. We are fighting for equal pay for women and people of color in the United States, and for fair policies abroad. We continue to fight, particularly abroad, for a minimum age for child labor; freedom from forced labor; workplaces free from discrimination; and the right to join together and bargain collectively to balance the overwhelming power of global capital."
Mr. Aldrich is survived by his wife, Jackie, his son, two daughters, six grandchildren, one brother, two sisters and his stepfather.
Wichita Eagle, Sunday, December 24, 2000
Aldrich, Richard M. "Henry," 61, District 70 Machinist Union directing business representative and Wichita and Hutchinson Labor Federation president, died Friday, Dec. 22, 2000. Service 2 p.m. Thursday, Northside Church of Christ.
Survivors: wife, Jacqueline; son, Jimmie of Wichita; daughters, Tammy Hicks of Belle Plaine, Belinda Farrar of El Dorado; brother, Ronnie Ogden of Belton, Mo.; sisters, Doris Romera of Belton, Mo., Sherrie Herrick, Renita Ogden both of Lees Summit, Mo.; stepfather, Boyd Ogden of Belton, Mo.; six grandchildren. Memorial established with Guiding Eyes of America. Lakeview Funeral Home.
Wichita Eagle, Saturday, December 23, 2000
UNION LEADER, 61, DIES FROM CRASH INJURIES -- RICHARD ALDRICH, PRESIDENT OF DISTRICT 70 OF THE MACHINISTS UNION, HAD WORKED ON BEHALF OF UNION MEMBERS FOR 40 YEARS.:
Longtime local labor leader Richard Aldrich, described by one colleague as "the best friend the workingman ever had," died Friday of injuries suffered in automobile accident last week.
At the time of his death, Mr. Aldrich, 61, was the president and directing business representative of the Machinists union, District Lodge 70, which represents nearly 17,000 workers at Wichita's aircraft plants and several other factories in the area. That job was just the latest, however, in 40 years of work on behalf of union members.
"He was very devoted to the working people and did his very best to serve the working people," said Ron Eldridge, a Machinists union representative and friend of Mr. Aldrich. "I think he was the workingman's best friend."
Funeral services were pending Friday night when the Aldrich family released a statement thanking the public "for its outpouring of support."
"The knowledge that Richard was loved and respected by so many has been a comfort during this most difficult time," the statement said.
The automobile accident that took Mr. Aldrich's life occurred last Saturday on Mount Vernon Road, when Mr. Aldrich's car was struck on the passenger's side by another vehicle at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Edgemoor.
In its statement, the family said: "We believe that Richard's death may have been prevented had he been wearing his seat belt. In memory of Richard, please, wear your seat belt when traveling."
Born and raised in Gove County, Mr. Aldrich came to Wichita as a young man when his stepfather took a job with Boeing. He began his union career shortly after joining Cessna as a factory worker, Eldridge said, "and from that, it gave him his beginning and his desire to serve working people." He worked his way up through the union hierarchy, serving in several capacities, including shop steward and business representative, and also served as president of the Wichita-Hutchinson Labor Federation and as a member of the Kansas State Council of Machinists.
"He had an enormous knowledge of the companies around here that we have to deal with on a daily basis," said Steve Rooney, an assistant directing business representative for the Machinists and a longtime friend.
"That knowledge was something that just he had, something you can't just pass along in your daily dealings, and it's going to be hard for us to replace."
Rooney said Mr. Aldrich would be missed on a personal level, "by all of us in the office, as well as by his family and friends."
Mr. Aldrich's son, Jimmy, said: "He did anything and everything for anybody, no questions asked. That was one of his unique qualities: He just did it without asking."
Known for his negotiating skills by people on both sides of the bargaining table, Mr. Aldrich also earned the respect of one man who found himself in the middle of many labor disputes.
"It speaks well for him that he was in his elected position, and it speaks well for his integrity and his ability to represent his people in a fair manner that meets the needs of companies and the needs of the employees. It's always kind of a balancing act," said Art Veach, a federal mediator.
"I've had the chance to work with a lot of good people on both sides, labor and management, so we get to meet the best of both worlds. And Richard ranks right up there with the best of them."
In a guest editorial that ran in The Eagle on Labor Day 1999, Mr. Aldrich explained in his own words why he had devoted his career to unions:
"Unions are standing up for human rights all around the world. We are fighting for equal pay for women and people of color in the United States, and for fair policies abroad. We continue to fight, particularly abroad, for a minimum age for child labor; freedom from forced labor; workplaces free from discrimination; and the right to join together and bargain collectively to balance the overwhelming power of global capital."
Mr. Aldrich is survived by his wife, Jackie, his son, two daughters, six grandchildren, one brother, two sisters and his stepfather.
Aldrich, Richard M. "Henry," 61, District 70 Machinist Union directing business representative and Wichita and Hutchinson Labor Federation president, died Friday, Dec. 22, 2000. Service 2 p.m. Thursday, Northside Church of Christ.
Survivors: wife, Jacqueline; son, Jimmie of Wichita; daughters, Tammy Hicks of Belle Plaine, Belinda Farrar of El Dorado; brother, Ronnie Ogden of Belton, Mo.; sisters, Doris Romera of Belton, Mo., Sherrie Herrick, Renita Ogden both of Lees Summit, Mo.; stepfather, Boyd Ogden of Belton, Mo.; six grandchildren. Memorial established with Guiding Eyes of America. Lakeview Funeral Home.
Wichita Eagle, Saturday, December 23, 2000
UNION LEADER, 61, DIES FROM CRASH INJURIES -- RICHARD ALDRICH, PRESIDENT OF DISTRICT 70 OF THE MACHINISTS UNION, HAD WORKED ON BEHALF OF UNION MEMBERS FOR 40 YEARS.:
Longtime local labor leader Richard Aldrich, described by one colleague as "the best friend the workingman ever had," died Friday of injuries suffered in automobile accident last week.
At the time of his death, Mr. Aldrich, 61, was the president and directing business representative of the Machinists union, District Lodge 70, which represents nearly 17,000 workers at Wichita's aircraft plants and several other factories in the area. That job was just the latest, however, in 40 years of work on behalf of union members.
"He was very devoted to the working people and did his very best to serve the working people," said Ron Eldridge, a Machinists union representative and friend of Mr. Aldrich. "I think he was the workingman's best friend."
Funeral services were pending Friday night when the Aldrich family released a statement thanking the public "for its outpouring of support."
"The knowledge that Richard was loved and respected by so many has been a comfort during this most difficult time," the statement said.
The automobile accident that took Mr. Aldrich's life occurred last Saturday on Mount Vernon Road, when Mr. Aldrich's car was struck on the passenger's side by another vehicle at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Edgemoor.
In its statement, the family said: "We believe that Richard's death may have been prevented had he been wearing his seat belt. In memory of Richard, please, wear your seat belt when traveling."
Born and raised in Gove County, Mr. Aldrich came to Wichita as a young man when his stepfather took a job with Boeing. He began his union career shortly after joining Cessna as a factory worker, Eldridge said, "and from that, it gave him his beginning and his desire to serve working people." He worked his way up through the union hierarchy, serving in several capacities, including shop steward and business representative, and also served as president of the Wichita-Hutchinson Labor Federation and as a member of the Kansas State Council of Machinists.
"He had an enormous knowledge of the companies around here that we have to deal with on a daily basis," said Steve Rooney, an assistant directing business representative for the Machinists and a longtime friend.
"That knowledge was something that just he had, something you can't just pass along in your daily dealings, and it's going to be hard for us to replace."
Rooney said Mr. Aldrich would be missed on a personal level, "by all of us in the office, as well as by his family and friends."
Mr. Aldrich's son, Jimmy, said: "He did anything and everything for anybody, no questions asked. That was one of his unique qualities: He just did it without asking."
Known for his negotiating skills by people on both sides of the bargaining table, Mr. Aldrich also earned the respect of one man who found himself in the middle of many labor disputes.
"It speaks well for him that he was in his elected position, and it speaks well for his integrity and his ability to represent his people in a fair manner that meets the needs of companies and the needs of the employees. It's always kind of a balancing act," said Art Veach, a federal mediator.
"I've had the chance to work with a lot of good people on both sides, labor and management, so we get to meet the best of both worlds. And Richard ranks right up there with the best of them."
In a guest editorial that ran in The Eagle on Labor Day 1999, Mr. Aldrich explained in his own words why he had devoted his career to unions:
"Unions are standing up for human rights all around the world. We are fighting for equal pay for women and people of color in the United States, and for fair policies abroad. We continue to fight, particularly abroad, for a minimum age for child labor; freedom from forced labor; workplaces free from discrimination; and the right to join together and bargain collectively to balance the overwhelming power of global capital."
Mr. Aldrich is survived by his wife, Jackie, his son, two daughters, six grandchildren, one brother, two sisters and his stepfather.
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