When one of our own passes away, it is a sad occasion. Sometimes a person has sacrificed so much for others that their life becomes a celebration of the best in humanity. This is true for Brother Robert (Bob) Borch, who passed away yesterday, June 10, 2002 among those who loved and admired him.

Bob grew up poor and never forgot it. He spent his life trying to right the wrongs he saw all around. His life was spent in a selfless pursuit for equality and justice. He fought not only for CUPW members but also for women, people of colour, the differently abled, aboriginals, lesbian, gay and transgender people and most of all, the poor and the homeless. He was a big supporter of the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty. Bob would collect clothes every winter to distribute to the shivering homeless on the streets of Toronto. Bob would have called that solidarity, not charity.

But first and foremost, Bob was a postal worker. He served the Union he loved for nearly 30 years. He started in the post office on March 23, 1976 as a temporary worker in Toronto. He transferred to the Kirkland Lake Local in order to become full-time. He was soon the Kirkland Lake Local President and spent the rest of his life making this Union proud of his achievements while always a staunch defender of post office workers.

In the 1984-85 contract negotiations, Bob remembered shift workers. His dedication and negotiating skills resulted in a breakthrough in shift premiums for shift workers. From 1985-88, he served the Ontario Region (then the Central, Ontario and Toronto Regions combined) as a union representative. In 1988, Bob was elected National Director, a post he held until 2002. This was demanding enough work for anyone but it was only part of his life. Virtually all his spare time was spent defending those less fortunate. He was a member of five labour councils, promoting and defending postal worker issues at every one.

In December 2000, Bob made CUPW members proud when he received the Ontario Federation of Labour Human Rights Award. He was a Vice-President of the Ontario Federation of Labour and chaired a number of committees in his capacity as Vice-President.

Rarely will we encounter one with such conviction and dedication. We are honoured to have known Bob, have him walk amongst us and know that the things he inspired and cared for deeply will carry on. He was an educator, father, leader and friend.

Bob was loved by all in the labour movement. Said one former postal worker yesterday 'if you look in the dictionary under 'trade union activist', you will find the name Bob Borch'. And knowing Bob, he would say, 'don't mourn - organize, the struggle continues'. We are honoured to have known you. Sleep peacefully, Brother.

Donations in remembrance of Brother Bob Borch may be sent to the:

Ontario Coalition Against Poverty
249 Sherbourne Street
Toronto, ON
M5A 2R9

Include a note to identify your remembrance 'In memory of Bob Borch.'

In solidarity,

Deborah Bourque
National President 2002-2008