Utility Department International Representative Donald Hartley retired April 1, bringing to a close a 40-year career in the IBEW.

A native of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Brother Hartley was initiated into the IBEW in 1976. He joined Alexandria, Va., Local 699, after serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1971 to 1975.

Hartley, who comes from a family with deep roots in railroad unionism, worked as a lead lineman for VEPCO, now Dominion Virginia Power.

While at Dominion, he served as shop steward, chief steward, recording secretary, financial secretary and assistant business manager. He was also elected as a delegate and vice chairman to IBEW System Council U-1.

In 1999, Hartley was appointed senior business representative for the newly created Richmond, Va., Local 50.

In 2002, International President Edwin Hill appointed Hartley to the position of international representative in the Utility Department, where he was responsible for the administration of the utility collective bargaining agreement database. He specialized in all aspects of gas and electric transmission and distribution.

"I understood when I came to the International Office that many members ask the question, 'What does the IBEW do for me," says Hartley. "I saw my appointment as an opportunity to help answer that question by providing value-added service to the membership — listening to them, answering questions and providing information and statistics to help them."

Hartley says he and his wife, Sandy, look forward to moving from Northern Virginia to Richmond. Among his hobbies are woodworking and boating. He has two children, one son and one daughter, and two grandchildren. His daughter, Laura, is an educational specialist in the International Office.

On behalf of the members and staff of the IBEW, the officers wish Brother Hartley a long, healthy and well-deserved retirement.

Fourth District International Representative David Appleman retired effective March 1.

A native of Zanesville, Ohio, Brother Appleman was initiated into Columbus, Ohio, Local 71 in 1979, where he worked as a groundman before entering the power lineman apprenticeship program.

Appleman and his brother, Steve, also a Local 71 member, followed their father, Charles, into the trade.

"My father was always a strong union member in Local 981, which later merged into Local 71. I grew up wanting to be a lineman," says Appleman. "When I joined the local union, I was one of those guys who couldn't say no when I was asked to help out."

Appleman's volunteering helped him get elected to Local 71's executive board and serve as treasurer before his appointment to two separate stints as assistant business manager.

For eight years — between his terms as assistant business manager — Appleman served as an instructor at the American Line Builders Apprenticeship and Training program, administered by the IBEW and the National Electrical Contractors Association.

Appointed international representative in 1999, Appleman spent four years in professional and industrial organizing and serviced 10 telecommunications locals before his appointment as state political coordinator for Ohio, then for the Fourth District.

"I live in Wilmington, in a very conservative part of Ohio, and I plan to stay active in political campaigns promoting union values during my retirement," says Appleman, who plans to play a lot of golf and work on some volunteer projects in the community.

"I made a good choice following my father into the union," he said. "I know it's said a lot, but I truly believe the IBEW has been very good to me. I look around at the tragic shutdown of so many industrial plants, represented by the loss of 400,000 IBEW members in manufacturing, and I feel very fortunate I was a union lineman."

On behalf of the entire membership and staff, the officers wish Brother Appleman a long and healthy retirement.

Seventh District International Representative Clayton White retired Jan. 1 after nearly four decades of service to the IBEW.

Brother White was initiated into Amarillo, Texas, Local 602 as an inside wireman in 1977.

A third-generation IBEW member, he signed up as an apprentice after graduating high school.

"I worked a couple odd jobs here and there, but I always knew about the IBEW as a career option," he said.

He served as assistant business manager before becoming business manager in 1986.

During his tenure, he negotiated contracts for wiremen, utility and telecommunications workers throughout the Texas Panhandle region.

He also served as vice president of the local building trades council and the State Association of Electrical Workers.

In 2000, then-International President J.J. Barry appointed White to the Seventh District staff.

He serviced locals in New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma. He also led negotiations between the IBEW and some of the region's largest copper corporations in contract bargaining.

In retirement, he looks forward to fishing, golf and fixing up old cars — a lifelong passion of his.

"I've been very blessed," he said. "Blessed that the IBEW has been so good to me and my family. Blessed to have such a wonderful career."

On behalf of the entire union membership, the officers and staff wish Brother White a happy, healthy and enjoyable retirement.

We regret to report that re­-tired Fourth District International Representative James M. Kilbane died on Jan. 23. He was 93.

A native of Cleveland, Brother Kilbane was initiated into Local 39 in 1941. Following three years of Army service during World War II, Kilbane went on to serve on the local's executive board, the apprenticeship committee and more. He served as business manager from 1965-1972.

He was appointed to the international staff the following year and primarily serviced utility locals throughout the Fourth District — Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. He retired in 1988.

"Jim brought a lot of levity to the staff," said retired IBEW Fourth District Vice President Paul Witte. "He was a happy person and had a really good attitude."

Kilbane was active in the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also devoted time to the American Turners, a national service organization founded in Cincinnati by German immigrants, and the Elks Lodge.

In retirement, Kilbane enjoyed golf, bowling and racquetball in his free time. "He was always a big supporter of the IBEW golf outings," Witte said.

On behalf of the entire membership and staff, the officers send our condolences to Brother Kilbane's family.

We regret to report that retired First District International Representative Robert Sproule died on Feb. 20.

A native of Brandon, Manitoba, Brother Sproule was initiated into Winnipeg Local 2034 in 1958. He served on numerous committees, including negotiating, grievance, bylaws and pension committees. Sproule also served on the executive board for two years.

From 1971-1981, Sproule served as business manager of the local. He was then appointed to the First District staff and serviced a large swath of Canada, representing workers in all of the Brotherhood's branches.

"He totally believed in workers' rights and in education," said retired First District International Representative Vair Clendenning, who took over Sproule's duties upon his retirement in 1997. "He was forever going to bat for the underdog."

During his career, Sproule served on the Manitoba Legislative Labour Management Review Committee and the Pulp and Paper Labor Management Committee of Ontario. He was also active with the Royal Canadian Legion and helped fundraise and lend other support to the Winnipeg Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

On behalf of the entire IBEW membership and staff, the officers send our condolences to Brother Sproule's family.