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Douglas Fraser Obituary
Fraser died Saturday at Providence Hospital in Southfield, said his wife, Winnie. He had emphysema, but a cause of death wasn't determined, she said.
Fraser was popular with the union's rank and file, who appreciated his candor and accessibility. Everyone called him Doug. Yet he also was a shrewd and pragmatic negotiator who won the respect of Big Three executives.
In the 1960s and '70s, he helped win such benefits as comprehensive health care, uncapped cost-of-living allowances and improved working conditions.
Fraser considered his finest achievement the UAW's campaign to obtain $1.5 billion in federal loan guarantees for Chrysler in 1979, which saved the automaker from bankruptcy.
Fraser retired in 1983 but kept active in politics and union issues. He was a professor in the College of Urban, Labor and Metropolitan Affairs at Wayne State University.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
18 Entries
Dennis Young
March 11, 2009
My son and I are sadden by the belated news of the passing of Doug. Occasions {1997-2003} my late wife, Alma Harrington Young, and I had to interact with Doug were instructive, stimulative and spiritedly uplifting. My son and I sympathize with the family of Douglas A. Fraser {a.k.a. Doug}.
Don Owens
March 30, 2008
I have been a member of Local 662, Anderson, IN., for 40 yrs as an active and 4yrs as a Retiree. I had the pleasure of meeting Doug 4 times. Sep 1978, he was guess speaker at our U.W. kick off. Three other times since, as others had said, he always extended his hand with a smile. Would always talk with you and was happy to join in a photo. He was a great Union leader. Solidarity did a fine job in the Memorial issue, I will treasure it forever.
Linda Eaton
February 27, 2008
What a leader he was, and just at the time we needed him the most. God Bless him and his family.
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Barbara Mills
February 27, 2008
When feelings of grief come upon you, please remember that GOD is a GOD of saving acts and to HIM belong the ways out of death. Psalms 68:20
Steve Harralson
February 27, 2008
A great leader.
Joanne Knoble
February 27, 2008
My name is Joanne, and I wanted to sincerely express my sympathy to your family about your loss, and offer some comfort if I may. At Revelation chapter twenty one verses three and four, offers a hope that God has given mankind. I hope this will bring some comfort. Until your family member is awaken from rest, may the God of all comfort be with your family at this time.
With Concern,
Ms. Knoble
Tom Gugliuzza
February 27, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the Fraser family in the loss of Douglas.
B.C. McKie
February 26, 2008
Surely a great lost to society and the labor movement. A trailblazer and a great leader we will truly miss.
V.P. U.A.W. Local 24o4
LEW CAULFORD
February 26, 2008
THE WORLD HAS LOST A TRUE FRIEND. DOUG HELPED MILLIONS, NOT ONLY THE WORKER, BUT THEIR FAMILIES. HE WAS A GIANT TO ALL MAN KIND, HE WILL BE MISSED, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES.
Bill Loviska
February 26, 2008
Doug, so much of what we have we owe to you.
My heartfelt thanks,
Bill (Local 699 retired)
Richard Howard
February 25, 2008
I retired from GM back in 2006 and I wish he was still president of the UAW so we miss him at Local 730 here in Grand Rapids.
February 25, 2008
Rhonda Bourland
Jerry Dillon
February 25, 2008
A real working-class hero. Thousands of lives were improved by his tireless works. REST IN PEACE MR. FRASER
Maddmike
February 25, 2008
R.I.P. Mr.Fraser.
My wife was a UAW member at the time that Chrysler was bailed out and would have been out of work if Chrysler went under.Thank you Mr.Fraser.
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