PASSAGES: LABOR LEADER CHARLES LATIMER, 81

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March 23, 2012 (San Diego) – Charles H. “Chuck” Latimer, 81, passed away on March 12 at his home in San Diego of natural causes.  A retired Pacific Bell employee, he was active in labor causes and political campaigns in San Diego and East County.

“Not only was Chuck a long-time member of CWA [Communications workers of America] Local 9509, but he was a large part of our local labor labor movement," said San Diego-Imperial County Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Lorena Gonzalez. "His commitment to the movement was unmatched and he will be missed tremendously.”

Latimer served as a delegate to the Labor Council for many years and was present at nearly every meeting, action and event. He also served as Vice President of the Federation of Retired Union Members (FORUM).

Miriam Plotkin, FORUM Secertary-Treasurer, also recalled Latimer’s service.  “Chuck represented seniors and health care issues nationwide, statewide, and locally, educating all,” she said.

He also served as Vice President of the Retired Members’ Council Board for District 9 and as President of the Retired Members Club, which he founded. 

Latimer was an active member of the East County Democratic Club and worked on many political campaigns.  Ray  Lutz, past president of the Club, recalled Latimer as a loyal “supporter and contributor to the clubs and candidates in the East County area.” 

Born in Independence, Missouri on October 23, 1930, Latimer joined the Marines and was assigned to San Diego as a communications instructor during the Korean War.  He married his wife, Shirley, in 1953 and after he was honorably discharged from the military, the couple made their home in San Diego.  He worked for Pacific Bell for many years, retiring in 1986.

Latimer is survived by his children, James Harvey Latimer and Lynn Scriven, and by his grandchildren, Alexia Scriven and Lucia Scriven.  His wife, Shirley, predeceased him in 2001. 

Services were held earlier today at the MCRD chapel.  Memorial donations may be made to these causes supported by Latimer:

JOBS WITH JUSTICE EDUCATION FUND, 1325 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC  20005

 

SAN DIEGO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA  92101

 

KPBS, 5200 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA  92182

 


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