NUPGE family remembers activist Art Lane

'His life was a calling to right the wrongs in life … a calling that meant he simply didn’t want to just protect the marginalized in our communities ... he wanted to empower people so they could take their rightful places in our communities and workplaces' - NUPGE president James Clancy.

Ottawa (16 Oct. 2009) - The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) joins with all who knew him in remembering and celebrating the life of Brother Art Lane, who passed away on Oct. 8, 2009 at the age of 61. 

Art was a longtime activist, staff member with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE and the recipient of the 2008 OPSEU Honorary Lifetime Membership Award. Funeral services were held yesterday in Brockville.

"Art was a bright and passionate man,” said James Clancy, NUPGE national president.  “He was an inspirational leader who expected the best from people and wouldn’t tolerate any nonsense from anyone that challenged his family or his union members.”

“His life was a calling … a calling to right the wrongs in life … a calling that meant he simply didn’t want to just protect the little guy, the marginalized, in our communities.  Instead, Art always wanted to build … he wanted to organize … he wanted to strengthen the lives of men and women who were disadvantaged so that they could take their rightful places in our workplaces and society,” Clancy said.

James Clancy (left) with Art Lane.

Art began his union career in the Civil Service Association of Ontario (CSAO) in 1966. He was one of the key transitional figures in the 1970’s as OPSEU was transformed from an association to a trade union.  What followed was a brilliant 40-year career as a leader in OPSEU and the labour movement. 

Art represented members in a variety of elected executive positions and in numerous senior staff positions. Art was a past member of OPSEU's Executive Board and in 1984 ran for the Presidency of the union. He was described as having a "loyalty to this union [that] is second to none" when he was awarded OPSEU's lifetime membership.

“I think that Art’s true calling, however, was that of an educator – a teacher,” said Clancy.  “He truly enjoyed teaching and he was very good at it. There are thousands of people in this province and across this country who learned about life and trade unionism from Art.  As a result, they are hardworking people, strong trade unionists and passionate advocates for social justice.” 

“His family and friends and co-workers can take some comfort in the knowledge that all the goodness that Art shared will remain with us forever.  To comrade Art, I say thank you for your compassion and commitment. We miss you Brother.”

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE