75-Year Member Charles Dyson

L.U. 254 (ees,em,mo,o,rts&u), CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA — It was a great honor to receive my 75-year IBEW service award, presented by Bus. Mgr. John Briegel and Pres. Cliff Shirriff, at the May 9 luncheon.

I am proud of my years of service in the electrical industry as an IBEW member. I was born Nov. 23, 1915, in Calgary, Alberta. I am age 97+, holding and fairly well. I started working with the City Electric Light Department as an electrical apprentice in 1936, graduated as a journeyman lineman, and retired at age 60 with 40 years of service. I helped to build the electrical system inside the City of Calgary, and was the youngest man to retire with the most years of service.

My late father, William Dyson, was the first elected president of former Local 348, the first IBEW local in Calgary, in about 1908. I joined in 1937 after graduating from Western Canada Academic Trade School.

My late father-in-law, Henry Bellingham, was also an early president of our former Local 348 for many years. I was married to his daughter, Carolyn, for nearly 50 years. In 1956 I became a charter member of Local 254, and before my retirement I was a very active member.

My father, my brother and I spent our working lives working for the city and the IBEW. I am very grateful to the IBEW. My best wishes and congratulations go to our International Officers, Local Unions, brothers and sisters for their dedication and service always.

Charles Dyson, P.S. Pro Tem

This article appeared in the August 2013 issue of The Electrical Worker.