WILLIAM

“BILLY”

RODGERS

Billy Rodgers who held several different leadership positions in Local 70 over the period of four decades passed away in September 2006. Billy was born (July 23, 1918) and raised in Oakland . He attended Oakland Technical High School and first joined Local 70 in June 1940. His membership was interrupted by World War II. He served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to the end of 1945.

He's one officer and official who did it all. He worked the platform and drove truck and in 1948 was appointed the Local's Warden. Billy became a Trustee in 1951 and served in that position through 1954. After being out of office three years, Rodgers was elected President in 1957. In 1960 he ran against Jack Sweeney for Secretary-Treasurer and lost. Three years later he turned the tables on Sweeney and was elected Secretary-Treasurer. In 1966 he sought re-election but lost to Al Leishman. That wasn't the end however, in 1969 Rodgers was elected Business Agent and served until the mid 1970's. Billy had a list of accomplishments during his years in office. Local 70's membership reached it's high point (7,000) when he was Secretary-Treasurer. He also negotiated the very first National Master Freight Agreement and he negotiated and acquired the present property located on Hegenberger Road , and he presided over the building of the Union offices and hiring hall at the Hegenberger location. It was the first property Local 70 ever owned. “Billy always considered it an honor to serve the members of Local 70;” said Secretary-Treasurer Chuck Mack. “He cherished the time he spent with members, especially the Christmas parties and picnics where Local 70 members and families came to celebrate.”

Billy was married to his wife Esther for 47 years. She passed away in 1989. He is survived by his daughter Geraldine Braswell and son-in-law Larry Braswell, son Gary Rodgers and four grandchildren.

The officers, officials, staff and members of Local 70 extend our most sincere sympathy to the family.