UNION MOURNS THE LOSS OF BROTHER TOM OLENUK

Born September 9, 1952. Died November 19, 2009

It is with a profound sense of loss that the family of Tom Olenuk and the Edmonton and District Labour Council wish to inform you of his sudden passing.

Tom Olenuk was a union activist since 1978 when he was involved with labour disputes at Canada Post. Tom served as Secretary-Treasurer of the EDLC for 14 years prior to being elected President in October 2003. He was on the Executive of the EDLC since 1986. He was a member of CUPW Edmonton where he spent 11 years working full-time as President, Secretary-Treasurer and Grievance Officer. Most recently he served on the AFL Executive Council, the Environment Committee of the AFL, as Secretary-Treasurer and Director of the Alberta Environment Network, the Campaign Cabinet for the United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, the Leadership Council of Vibrant Communities Edmonton and the Governance Committee of the Edmonton Community Foundation.

He was forthright, outspoken and unwavering once he had made up his mind. Solid believer in the rights of all workers, a defender of any kind of discrimination. Tom was a wonderful mentor to new activists and he was possessed of an in depth knowledge of parliamentary procedure. Personally as a friend he was, loyal, generous and in possession of an often times outrageous sense of humor. Tom loved to have his friends over so he could offer them the hospitality of his table, share a class of wine and regale them with stories opinions and most importantly the gift of friendship.


Tom will be deeply missed by all that knew him. The Edmonton labour community has lost a truly committed trade unionist. Tom’s struggles for equity crossed all barriers include his most recent events at save the Medicare rallies and the City of Edmonton Proclamation against Family Violence. Tom’s dedication and devotion to the cause of those in need will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his brother Brian, his sister Diane Rudrum, her husband Les, and nieces Alana, Tyree, Tasha and Jasmine.

There will be a celebration of Tom’s life on Saturday November 28th, 2009 at

Nor Quest College 10215 108 Street
Cafeteria from 1 PM to 2 Pm

Please join us for this celebration of Tom’s life.