Saxsenmeier’s former colleagues and friends came to pay tribute to his memory
More than a dozen retired Business Reps and former PG&E executives came together to celebrate the memory of Frank “Dad” Saxsenmeier, a longtime Local 1245 staffer who passed away in 2016. They we joined by Frank’s widow, Sondra, and son, Gary.
“Frank was one of a kind,” Business Manager Tom Dalzell said. “He really believed in the membership, and he believed in unions. He gave everything, and left 1245 a much better union than when he came.”
“He was the kind of guy that if we had something going on – be it a demonstration, or a protest or something like that – he was always the first one to volunteer and help out,” recalled former Business Manager Jack McNally. “He was a very good Rep.”
Dalzell presented Saxsenmeier’s widow with a photo collage
“He was called ‘dad’ because he was the grand old wizard. His execution was mindful, and he enjoyed mentoring reps and members.” said former staffer Joel Ellioff. “He wasn’t a know-it-all … but if you needed some advice, he was your man. He was a good guy who loved the union.”
Dalzell concluded the memorial by presenting the Saxsenmeier family with a framed photo collage, featuring a number of meaningful images of Dad.
“He worked so hard during the years he was here, and you put up with it,” Dalzell told Saxsenmeier’s wife. “But he made this a better union, and the sacrifice you made helping him do that is greatly appreciated.”
Photos by John Storey