2 UAW retirees remembered for generosity

UAW members are generous by nature, in part because they understand that only together can important things in life be accomplished. Two UAW Chrysler retirees passed away last year, leaving a legacy of generosity and love for their union. Luiz Ramos was a lifelong UAW member and retiree from Local 230, which represents roughly 115 members at Chrysler-Mopar Parts Distribution and Service in Ontario, Calif., and Chrysler Southgate Assembly, both in suburban Los Angeles. When Ramos died last year, he left the entire proceeds from his house to the International Union, UAW. Local 1264 retiree Robert Benson also generously thought of the UAW before he died. Local 1264 represents Chrysler workers at Sterling Stamping plant in Sterling Heights, Mich. When Benson died last year, he also named the International as a beneficiary of his estate, giving 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale of his house to the UAW. The UAW is grateful for their dedication and generosity to the cause of workers’ rights everywhere. We caught up with two people who knew Benson and Ramos well and asked them about these generous UAW retirees.

Ethel Harvey is Robert Benson’s sister. Why do you think Brother Benson made this donation?

He understood the importance of helping others. He was a production worker at Chrysler’s Sterling Stamping plant for 19 years.

A lot of people understand the need to help others but don’t give back in such a generous way. Why did he give so much?

I think my brother did it because he was really grateful to the UAW for the support he got from them after he retired. He had some severe medical problems, and his care was always covered, thanks to the UAW. He was a goodhearted man who just wanted to pay it back. He got his check from the UAW every month, and he needed it for his medical condition. That really sustained him.

What was Benson like?

He never married. I’m his older sister, and I was closer to Bob than anybody and loved him dearly. And he apparently never forgot a kindness. When we were kids growing up, we got some help from the Goodfellows. Bob never talked about it, but it touched him that they helped us when we needed it, because he also left money to the Goodfellows when he died. In fact, if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have the car I’m driving, thanks to the money he left me.

Victor Kedos is president of Local 230, where Brother Ramos was a member. Kedos knew Ramos well and isn’t surprised he acted so generously.

I’m not surprised at all because he’s always been close to the UAW. He often shared his thoughts about what the UAW has done for him and everyone, especially in relation to seniority. Ramos believed strongly that because UAW members belong to such a large union, how we spend our money affects the world economy and demonstrates the power we have as workers with a voice.

Why did Ramos feel such a responsibility as a UAW member?

Ramos believed we should all be thankful for what the UAW has done for us as workers. He knew that we, as members, are the ones who are supposed to be driving the UAW and what it represents. The UAW is here because of what we, the workers, do for it. Ramos was very generous, sharing everything. He loved to give back. In fact, for some of our local’s Christmas luncheons, he would hire entertainment and pay for it out of his own pocket. He lived and bled UAW, and is a tough act to follow when it comes to unionism. If there is a benchmark for being a good UAW member, Luiz Ramos is it.

Joan Silvi