Raymond Larson

Raymond Larson, a GCIU International representative who joined Chicago Local 7 of the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants Union as a junior pressman in March 1953, retired on Aug. 1.

With time out for military service with the U.S. Army in Germany, Larson served Local 7 in many capacities after he returned home. He worked as the local organizer, in addition to serving as delegate to the Allied Printing Trades Council, the Illinois State Federation, and many other labor organizations.

Larson was appointed an IPPAU International organizer in 1968 by then-Pres. Anthony J. DeAndrade. Two years later, he became an International representative.

Larson said when asked by the Graphic Communicator that he saw his 29 years as a representative as a continuing challenge that he loved. "It was certainly never boring. I serviced midwest locals that are about a third of the GCIU membership, and you had to treat each one differently."

Summing up his career with the GCIU, Larson remembered: "I worked with some great people. I worked for six presidents and six secretary-treasurers and enjoyed every minute of it."