The LWC mourns the loss of one of our members, Charles “Hook” Johnson, Sr., who was  also a co-worker, friend and champion for social justice in his union and his community. Charles was a longtime member of ILA Local 1402 in Tampa, Florida. He will be missed.

Below a statement published by a fellow union member and close friend, Charles Gibson.

The Facts, 4^th edition
–published by Charles Gibson, ILA Local 1402 member in Tampa, Florida and Longshore Workers’ Coalition member

Hello fellow members,

I am grieved to inform you of the loss of a good man today. ILA Brother Charles “Hook” Johnson, Sr. unexpectedly passed on earlier today to the dismay of everyone. He had been working and always appeared to be in the best of spirits.

There were a few of us close longshoremen present at the hospital and home of Mr. Johnson that met and mingled with family friends of our late Brother. The outpouring of concern to his friends and family of Captain Hook was indeed a testament and validation of the legacy and goodness and kindness that abounded from this man. It was learned that he was a father to more than he fathered, a hero of the unheard, and in his own right, another champion of justice for those who were dealt an injustice. His voice was heard when the weaker ones where heard not. He was a righteous man.

May his spiritual essence of this man abound with us as his spirit smiles upon us from the windows of heaven.

This is a brief reflection. Surely others have more to add in respect to Mr. Charles “Captain Hook” Johnson, Sr. Be it known to all, though he is gone, he is not forgotten.

(Charles Johnson, Sr. was a member of ILA Local 1402 in Tampa, Florida for the past 34 years.)

– Wednesday September 17, 2008