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| Frank R. Barbour |
Barbour's union career began in 1956 when he started working as a litho press helper.
He served in many leadership positions with his local over the years. He was a shop steward for five years, an executive board member for eight years, a vice president for three years, and Local 516 president for more than three years before being appointed to the International staff in 1980 after Rep. Nick Wichenko died. Barbour told the Graphic Communicator that he had worked with Wichenko as a press helper and then followed him as local president. He said that he was very close to Wichenko and retired Vice Pres. Leonard R. Paquette.
Barbour also represented his local at the International's conventions and at the Canadian Labour Conference conventions and the Manitoba Federation conventions. He served as a trustee to the Canadian Graphic Arts Pension Trust.
Upon his appointment to the International staff, an enthusiastic Barbour wrote: "It's going to be a big challenge. I'm glad to see our union going forward . . . and I'm proud to be involved in it."
Upon his retirement, he described the preceding 19 years as "an enjoyable experience." Barbour said he "enjoyed the whole job in general. I always enjoyed my job – getting a decent contract, organizing victories, and the people I worked with. The people I worked with have just been great. I can't say anything bad about anybody."
He and his wife (of 43 years) Helen have bought a truck and plan to a buy travel trailer. "This time, when I'm traveling, I'll be driving and not flying, and I'll be able to travel with my wife."
Barbour told the Graphic Communicator that he plans to spend more time with his wife, son and daughter, and four grandchildren, who range in age from 10 months to 19 years.
And in a farewell e-mail, he warned his friends: "Who knows, maybe you'll wake up one morning and find me in your driveway."
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