INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, April 29 — Charles George Hainsworth, who served the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) as Canadian Director, International Vice President and National Legislative Representative-Canada, passed away peacefully at his home on April 1, 2021, with family by his side. He was 92 years old.
A native of Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Brother Hainsworth began his railway career on October 15, 1948, as a locomotive fireman for the Canadian National Railway. He earned promotion to locomo-tive engineer for CN on April 4, 1954, and joined BLE Division 583 (Winnipeg, Manitoba) on Ju-ly 1, 1975.
Brother Hainsworth immediately became involved in the Brotherhood’s legislative affairs, serving Division 583 (Winnipeg, Manitoba) as Legislative Representative for several years before winning election to the office of Manitoba Provincial Legislative Board Chairman in 1983. In 1987, he was appointed to serve the BLE as an International Vice President for Canada, and was reelected to that position on August 22, 1991. Brother Hainsworth was appointed to the office of Canadian Director for the BLE effective February 1, 1992.
A highlight of his career was his appointment to the National Transportation Act Review Commission by Canada’s Minister of Transport in 1992. He served as a member of the Commission’s Sur-face Advisory Panel. Of the many labor unions throughout Canada, the BLE was the only one chosen to have a representative, which was a testament to Brother Hainsworth’s reputation as a rail transportation expert and an outstanding labor leader. He retired effective June 30, 1993, after a distinguished career that spanned 45 years.
Brother Hainsworth is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Viola Folkes; his children, Charles Hainsworth (Debra); Alice Bruce (Mike); Viola’s daughter Donna Lee (Bob); son-in-law Neil Crocker; and nine grandsons and eight great-grandchildren.
Brother Hainsworth enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Canada for his union work, and spoke fondly of his trips to Europe to visit his daughter Alice and her husband Mike in Germany, where Mike played hockey. He also enjoyed fishing during his free time. Both of Broth-er Hainsworth’s grandfathers worked in the railroad industry, one as a machinist and one as a car inspector.
“George Hainsworth made a positive lasting impression on our Brotherhood,” said Dennis R. Pierce, National President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). “He was a dedicated union officer and many railroaders have benefitted from his leadership. On behalf of all men and women of the BLET, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brother George.”