“He was honest, humane, compassionate, genuinely concerned. And he was tough…His presence was huge.” (Ken Lewenza, former president of the CAW and Local 444)
Tributes from colleagues, union leaders and local politicians were immediate and heartfelt for Windsor labour activist and educator Rolly Marentette, who passed away Wednesday after battling cancer. A longtime member of Unifor Local 444, active in the Windsor and District Labour Council, and chair of the Injured Workers’ Coalition (2007-2016), he leaves behind a lasting legacy from a lifetime of advocacy for workplace justice and health & safety.
The Windsor and District Labour Council plans on honouring him at their June 1st rally on Injured Workers’ Day – to be held in front of the local WSIB offices (2485 Ouellette Ave.) at 4 p.m., followed by a ceremony at The Foglar Furland Club on 1800 North Service Rd. His friends and fellow activists participating in the 2017 Injured Workers Justice Bike Ride have dedicated their ride to his memory.
Visitation 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Monday, May 29, 2017; Funeral services 1:00 pm Tuesday, May 30, 2017, at Families First South Windsor, 3260 Dougall Ave, Windsor, N9E 1S6. On Tuesday family and friends are invited to meet after 12:00p.m. with funeral service at 1:00pm.
- Chen, Dalson. 2017 May 26. “Windsor Labour Activist Rolly Marentette Dead at Age 69.” Windsor Star
- CBC News. 2017 May 25. “Windsor Labour Activist Rolly Marentette Remembered for His ‘Commitment to Workplace Justice'”
- Bacon, Gord. 2017 May 25. “Union to Honour Rolly Marentette with Injured Worker Day Rally.” CKLW AM800