It is with great sadness that NNWIG announces the passing of our dear friend Stan Raper. Stan passed away suddenly on June 5th at the age of 55.
The news has stunned the members of NMWIG and the agriculture community that he dedicated his life to.
Stan worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of migrant workers across Canada with his work in the UFCW/AWA. He never stopped persuing justice and equality for those who are vulnerable and often without a voice. He was a humble man who was always “in the trenches” with workers and their allies, never too busy to lend a hand for a good cause.
The Niagara Migrant Workers Interest Group will forever be grateful for the support, wisdom and friendship Stan brought to the table. While Stan was a Union man through and through, he never pushed an agenda at that table; he offered support to the work we are doing and was an invaluable wealth of information and wisdom. There isn't one person around the NMWIG table that didn't see him as someone worthy of respect and who didn't think of him as an ally and friend.
There are some people whose presence in this world impacts all those around them and Stan was such a person. His absence now is like tear in the fabric of the universe and a void is left in his place. No one can fill that place in our hearts, but the knowledge that Stan's life and work will live on in the heart's and lives of those he touched will sustain us now.
You worked hard and affected real change for so many, Stan; you made this world a better place. We will continue to work for agriculture workers in Niagara with the passion and compassion you exemplified. Rest in peace dear friend, you will be missed more than words can express.
A Celebration of Life in Memoriam for Stan is being held on Friday, June 16, 2017 at the Grantham Optimist Youth Centre on 188 Linwell Road in St. Catharines, Ontario from 2 – 4 p.m.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact us today.