Today is a day many thought would never happen: it is BCGEU Director David Vipond’s last day on the job before retirement.

For those that don’t know David, he’s been one of the behind the scenes heroes of the BCGEU throughout the last 35 years, and it’s hard to imagine what the BCGEU will be like without him.

David’s history with the BCGEU began as an member, working at the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch.

In 1981 he joined the union staff as a staff representative in the Cranbrook Area Office. From there he held a number of staff positions in the union: from Collective Bargaining and Arbitrations representative to Regional Coordinator.

In 1996 he assumed the role where we’ve all grown accustomed to seeing him: Director.

During that twenty years, the BCGEU has grown and changed through the terms of five presidents and countless other officers of the union. Every step of the way his influence has been a part of those changes.

His tenacity and attention to detail has been a large part of many BCGEU bargaining victories and the solid foundation upon which our union has been built.

While all of us here at the BCGEU wish him well in retirement, we will miss his dedication to the members, his extensive knowledge of all things B.C. labour, and perhaps most of all his sharp wit around the office.

Best of luck from all of us at the BCGEU!