Dennis C. Skelton, International Vice President (1991-1996)

Ron Carey was the most progressive labor leader of the last 50 years. He used his courage, strength and wisdom to create a vision and plan to thrust the Teamsters to the forefront of the labor movement during his tenure. Part of his great legacy will be the UPS strike where great gains went to the members. He was not lacking of stones. I remember that he gave the Executive Board members tie bars that had the letters “YCDBSOYA” on them. As the letters appeared to be a Russian word to me, I asked “what does this mean.” Carey replied, “You Can’t Do Business Sitting On Your Ass.” That was how he was - that made him what he was.

On a personal note, Ron Carey gave me strength, courage, and wise counsel at every juncture. Through good times and bad - I never had to worry about looking around and not seeing him standing strong. He gave me an opportunity of a life time to be part of his administration and made sure I was surrounded with quality people at all times. I said it before in the New York Times Magazine and I will say it again, “I would have walked to hell and back wearing gasoline drawers for that man,” and I meant every word.

So to my friend, my mentor, and my leader - a sincere farewell - but rest assured you will live on forever in the minds and actions of so many of us that you touched so deeply.

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