The Bricklayer

The AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust (HIT), the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC), the AFL-CIO, and the labor community mourn the passing of Rod DuChemin. As noted here Rod, a 55+ year member of BAC, passed away on May 14 after serving as the HIT’s Labor Relations Advisor for 27 years.  On June 20^th, friends and family gathered to celebrate his life and many contributions to the HIT, to the labor movement and to inclusivity. Rod’s wife, Beth Brent, chose this date to coincide with the start of summer, which Rod savored every year. Beth and their son Ryan, with friends and colleagues, including HIT’s CEO Chang Suh and BAC President Tim Driscoll, shared memories. HIT’s Stephanie Turman paid tribute to Rod with the following:

The Bricklayer

Callous hands

Eagle eyes

Course by course

Working towards the sky

Brick and block

Point and tuck

Speed and accuracy

Precision, not luck

An ancient trade

Time-tested tools

History, function and

Artistry too

Apprentice, journeyman

Skillful and true

Teacher and mentor

To more than a few

Ohio plains to

Florida shores

Trowel and mortar

Level and scores

He’s used up all his mud

Packed his tools, and headed home

The trade he loved, and the woman he loved

Forever in his soul