Lloyd Vandever, Retired
District 10 Leader, Dies
OAKLAND, Calif.
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| Lloyd Vandever |
Lloyd K. Vandever, for many years a UE leader on the West Coast (known as "Van" to nearly everyone), died
Aug. 1, just three weeks short of his 85th birthday.
Vandever was born on a family farm near Miles City, Mont. He rode a horse to grade school, and boarded in town when
attending high school.
He came to the Bay Area in 1941, finding work in factories including UE-represented General Cable. Vandever worked for
decades for Westinghouse at its Emeryville plant. As a Westinghouse worker, Vandever served for many years as a UE steward. He was also
president of amalgamated UE Local 1412.
Vandever served on the UE General Executive Board as secretary-treasurer of District 10 from 1973 to 1981 and as district
president from October 1982 through 1986. He represented Local 1412 at the 1987 national convention.
As a retiree, Vandever became known in the community as an expert on Social Security and a savvy opponent of privatization
schemes. He was elected chair of the El Cerritto Democratic Club, a large and influential organization of party activists. He was also an
active member of the Contra Costa County Committees of Correspondence.
"Lloyd Vandever was more than an outstanding role model and leader, he was also a wonderful teacher and mentor,"
comments UE Genl. Pres. John Hovis. "Lloyd, along with Ollie Martinson and Jim Matles, were the three people who had the
biggest influence on me when I was a young worker at Westinghouse. Lloyd took a person interest in developing potential young leadership
for the union, always offering his support and encouragement. Former UE Genl. Sec.-Treas. Amy Newell and myself, among others,
benefited from his patient guidance."
Hovis adds, "More than any other individual, he taught me the unions basic principles, policies and objectives. Ive
never met a person with greater personal integrity or dedication to the task of improving the lives of working people. Its a shame that
the new generation of UE leaders will not have the benefit of his knowledge and guidance."
