Donald McNamara

Don McNamara, a Pipe Fitters Local 636 member for more than 60 years who attained the position of Assistant General President of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters, died Sept. 11, 2010. He was 79.

Mr. McNamara became a business agent with Detroit Local 636 in 1958. In 1969 he was elected Assistant Business Manager/Financial Secretary of the local, and 10 years later, he became Business Manager.

In 1980, Don served as United Association Vice President in addition to his duties as Business Manager, then took on the position of President of the Greater Detroit Building Trades Council. In 1988 he was appointed UA Special Representative, then a short time later he was assigned to the UA General Office as an International Representative. In 1991 Don became Assistant General President of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters. He retired in 1995.

Mr. McNamara’s boss, the late International President Marvin Boede, said at his retirement party, “Don’s a man with the highest integrity, and his loyalty to the UA is beyond measure. A man in Don’s position must be able to see the big picture, and he was never one who placed himself above his union. I know Don is respected by all who work with him because they know he’s a fair, honest, dedicated union man.’”

Don is survived by is wife of 59 years, Patricia. He is also survived by children Peggy Susie (Bob Louzon); Tom (Cindy); Bill; Colleen (Joe Davignon); Geri (Brian) Finn; Michael and Kevin (Janice). He was grandfather of 18 and great-grandfather of three.

Don’s son, International Rep. Tom McNamara, said at his dad’s retirement, “He taught us to respect, honor, care, and share. That’s the kind of guy our dad is, our coach and our friend. Our dad was always there for us and always offered encouragement. We also realized how important our dad felt the labor movement was, and how important he is to the labor movement.’”

Ray Poupore

Ray Poupore, a past Business Manager of Operating Engineers Local 324 and past chairman of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Commission, passed away Sept. 12, 2010 at age 82.

“I considered him a personal friend and mentor,” said Local 324 Business Manager/International Vice President John Hamilton. “He was Business Manager during the 1980s, which in terms of the poor economy, has a lot of similarities to what’s happening today. Ray was a respected leader, a great union supporter, and a nice man. He will be missed.”

Mr. Poupore worked as a Local 324 Business Agent, then served as Business Manager from 1980 to 1988. After he retired, he worked as a consultant for both Millgard and Roncelli, primarily doing labor relations work.

His son, Ray Poupore Jr., is a 39-year member of Local 324, and is Executive Vice President of the National Construction Alliance. “My dad was always a strong advocate for the building trades, and he had a heart of gold,” he said. “He lived modestly, but he always kind and generous. He was the greatest union leader that I’ve ever met.”

Ray Jr. said his dad suffered from bladder cancer and had a stroke about a year ago. He was a 60-year member of Local 324. Mr. Poupore’s wife Blanche died in 2006. He is survived by Ray, Jr., and daughters Susan Dine and Becky Courtois.

“Ray Poupore was a gentleman in every sense of the word,” said Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Devlin. “He was a person whose word you could always trust, and he had a tremendous knowledge about the state’s construction industry. We’re going to miss him.”

A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18 at Faith Lutheran Church, 37635 Dequindre Rd. in Troy.