Dick Wiesenhahn (center) and other FLOC supporters in Cincinnati conduct telephone banking in support of FLOC farmworkers in North Carolina
Farm Labor Organizing Committee, AFL-CIO
Dick Wiesenhahn (center) and other FLOC supporters in Cincinnati conduct telephone banking in support of FLOC farmworkers in North Carolina
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our long-time friend Dick Wiesenhahn, one of FLOC's strongest supporters. Dick suffered emergency surgery and heart failure, and passed away this past Monday June 18.
Baldemar Velásquez, President of FLOC, recalls Dick's constant presence with FLOC since the early days. "He is our model of a FLOC supporter. Dick has been there with us for almost 30 years contributing to all our victories in many different ways, from fund-raising and demonstrations to being at all major FLOC events." He remembers that Dick was a founder and leader of the the longest standing continuous [Cincinnati] FLOC Support Committee, and has been involved in every FLOC campaign and effort. His combination of sincerity and humor encouraged others to maintain their involvement and support of FLOC, such as drawing on his Rodney Dangerfield impersonation as a FLOC fundraiser. "We appreciate all that Dick has done", says Baldemar. "He has always been here when we needed him."
Beatriz Maya, FLOC Secretary-Treasurer and Director of Midwest Organizing, says "Dick was always so creative in mobilizing support." She recalls the FLOC Golf Scramble Dick organized each year for over a quarter century. These golf tournaments not only raised $3,000-$5,000 a year for FLOC, but got people who may never have even heard about FLOC involved in supporting the cause. "Dick was a very giving person," she says, "and never expected anything in return."
The Campaign for Migrant Worker Justice, the non-profit organization supporting the FLOC movement through education, services, and research, has set up the Dick Wiesenhahn Staff Development Fund in honor of Dick's strong and consistent support over the years. We feel the best way to remember his contributions is to remind current and future FLOC staff that Dick has always been there with us. A number of FLOC supporters have pledged initial contributions of over $20,000 to set up this fund.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution in memory of Dick Wiesenhahn, please send your check to:
Campaign for Migrant Worker Justice, Inc.
Dick Wiesenhahn Staff Development Fund
1221 Broadway Street
Toledo, Ohio 43609
Thank you for all your support over the years, Dick. We will miss you, but know that you are still supporting us in spirit.
Dick Wiesenhahn, PRESENTE!
© FLOC 2007