The IAM mourns the loss of retired IAM Aerospace Coordinator Ron Eldridge, a long-time IAM leader and beloved father of IAM Grand Lodge Representative Juan Eldridge. Ron Eldridge, 71, passed away on March 26 while surrounded by family.
Ron initiated into IAM Local 839 (District 70) in 1972 as an employee of Boeing in Wichita, KS. Before coming to Wichita, Ron was raised in Oklahoma and served in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating high school.
He would serve as an organizer for Local 839 before serving as District 70 Directing Business Representative on two occasions. Ron served as an IAM Aerospace Coordinator from 2004 until his retirement in 2016. Ron also served as a Southern Territory Special Representative and Grand Lodge Representative.
“Ron was passionate about helping people,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “He was the man we sent to negotiate the most important and most high-profile aerospace agreements in the IAM. He dedicated his life to our union because he knew he was making lives better for working families and communities. We mourn with the Eldridge family, and we will never forget the contributions and lifetime of service Ron gave to us.”
Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Maria, children Ron, Melissa, Angela, Juan, and several grandchildren.
The post Machinists Union Mourns Loss of Retired Aerospace Coordinator Ron Eldridge appeared first on IAMAW.