Larger than life.
Brilliant – he had a “Beautiful Mind” way with numbers.
Direct. If you know, you know.
Fighter. For working people, in all corners of life.
My friend Tom Conway passed away Monday, surrounded by his three loving sons and his longtime partner Carol. There is no way to say it other than this: we are all worse off today. As a labor movement, and as a society.
You will read and hear a great deal about Tom’s legacy in the coming days, I am sure. And since anything I could add to the big picture conversation would likely fall short of properly appraising the man, I will just add a few personal thoughts. And tell you I am heartbroken.
“Hey buddy. How ya doin’? Everything OK?”
How many of us have heard that over the years? Never interested in talking about himself, but instead making sure you had what you needed.
He did not seek attention. However, his presence, his personality – and his voice – captured the attention of every room he stepped in.
Nobody ever had the upper hand on Tom, because how could you?
He was a fierce proponent and protector of the Career Development Program. You need to know he took tremendous pride in the work you all do and he took tremendous personal pride in being a part of ICD’s origin story. He would attend various conferences in other industries and brag about the work you do. It’s up to all of us now to carry on and be worthy of Tom’s legacy.
He had a way with words. Boy did he ever have a way with words, especially the four-letter variety. Tom was never shy with his opinion and you always knew where you stood with him. Gaining his approval was a treasured victory.
He did not suffer fools lightly.
He loved his family dearly.
He lived a full and remarkable life.
He fought like hell for us.
You think you're ready, but then when it actually happens, you realize just how much you've been fooling yourself.
He will be sorely missed.
Please click the links below to read more, including a beautifully touching statement from President Joe Biden.
USW mourns the passing of USW International President Tom Conway.
Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Thomas Conway.
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Comments
Wow! I can't believe Tom is gone!! And so young too!
He was the best international president with whom I've ever been acquainted. I am so sorry for his family, the Steelworker family, and our ICD family. He was always significantly ahead of the curve on practically everything. I had the pleasure of speaking with him a few times. His ideas and advice were way ahead of anyone with whom I've had the privilege to talk.
What a great man! What a great loss for us!
May he rest in peace.