Leo Gerard - former International President of the United Steelworkers Union (USW), died at the age of 78 on Sunday (September 21st).

Gerard worked with the USW for more than 50 years.

He served as a USW Staff Representative, District Director, National Director of Canada and Secretary-Treasurer before his election as International President in 2001.

He retired from the USW in July 2019.

Current USW International President David McCall said: "Leo Gerard spent his entire life fighting for Workers across the world, and his impact on the USW, and the global Labor Movement, has been immeasurable. He inspired countless other Workers to carry on the fight for justice and fairness. He will be missed, but we intend to honor his legacy by continuing our work."

The USW released the following statement:

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of USW International President Emeritus Leo W. Gerard.

He passed away peacefully with his family by his side.

Leo Gerard was the International President Emeritus of the United Steelworkers Union, serving in the Union’s top job from 2001 to 2019.

Gerard was the second Canadian to lead the International Union, following his mentor Lynn Williams, who served as USW International President from 1983 to 1994.

Gerard was born in Creighton Mine, Ontario - a Sudbury-area company town established by mining giant Inco Limited.

Following in the footsteps of his Father, a Union Organizer, he went to work for Inco at age 18.

He soon got involved in USW Local 6500, beginning a meteoric rise up the Union’s leadership ladder.

After reaching the position of Chief Steward of his 7,000-Member Local Union, Gerard’s leadership abilities prompted the USW to hire him to a Staff job in 1977.

He went on to become the Union’s Ontario Director, Canadian National Director and then International Secretary-Treasurer, leading to his installation as International President in 2001.

Leading North America’s largest Industrial Union, with 1.2 million Members continent-wide at its height, Gerard had a profound impact on workplace health and safety, gender equality, Labor Rights, decent pay, pensions, global solidarity, fair trade and Social Justice.

We will miss him dearly and his work will live on for generations to come.

According to his obituary, Gerard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan, his two daughters -Kari-Ann and Meaghan, and grandchildren Elyssa, Liam and Kinley.

The obituary states there will be no services at this time and "the family is grieving privately together and ask for support and understanding as they remember Leo in their own ways."

People are invited to make a donation in Gerard's honor to the Alzheimer's Society.

For More On This Labor News Report, Go To: Union leader known for dedicating life to 'working class' dead at 78 | CBC News And USW Mourns Passing of Former President Gerard - United Steelworkers

Photo Courtesy Of The USW.