The Alberta labour movement suffered a grievous loss when Brother S’ean Gillen died in a motor vehicle accident on April 20, 2000.

A lifelong labour activist, S’ean was President of the Calgary & District Labour Council (CDLC) from 1995 to his passing. An active member of the International Association of Machinists for twenty-nine years, S’ean was a member of the Executive Council of the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) for the past six years.

Passionate about union education, S’ean Gillen served as Chair and Secretary of the AFL’s Education Committee, and chaired the CDLC Education Committee as well. The incredibly successful AFL Kids’ Camp was one of

S’ean’s causes. He gained immense satisfaction working as Camp Director. Brother Gillen became a member of CAW in 1993, and continued his principled and energetic union work in Lodge 42, Local 101.

An active New Democrat, S’ean served as President of the Varsity New Democrats, Vice-President of the Calgary Nose Hill New Democrats, and President of the Calgary New Democrat House Society.

Sean’s unwavering support of the labour movement and all its causes, his sense of humour, and his strength and firm principles will be sorely missed by the Alberta labour movement.

It was only one year ago that S’ean was honoured as one of the two co-recipients of the 1999 Alberta Federation of Labour May Day Solidarity Award. The award recognizes individuals who make exemplary contributions to the labour movement, to working people and to social justice. Nothing could provide a better testimonial of the life of S’ean Gillen.