Head table – Mrs. Grover Marion, Grover Marion, WVLHA president Gordon Simmons, Wes Holden from Senator Rockefeller’s Office, Jack Spadaro and friend
Ken Hall reading letter from Jimmy Hoffa Jr. about all of Grover’s 60 years helping working people
On a cold snow morning, on Saturday, December 5th at noon, 2009 about 60 people including Attorney General McGraw and Paul Nyden of the Gazette, and others drove to the Teamster Hall in South Charleston to honor two men who have spent their lives helping the laboring people of the state. President Gordon Simmons began the introductions, briefly talking about the West Virginia Labor History Association and its 25 year list of great WVians who have helped the working class of the state starting with the Reuther family. Jack Spadaro was present to receive the award for McAteer who was unavailable as interim president of Wheeling-Jesuit University. Mr. and Mrs. Grover E. Marion came in wheelchairs after a recent fall.
President Emeritus Fred Barkey, Teamster official Ken Hall, and Teamster lawyer Luke Farley
After a nice lunch provided by WVLHA and the South Charleston Tea Room, speeches were made. Letters from both U.S. senators Byrd and Rockefeller were read. Ken Hall, current president of the local Teamsters Union, Ken Hall, and national vice president, read a letter from Jimmy Hoffa Jr. and latter gave him a special watch and jacket. He also made his wife an honorary member of the Teamsters.
Attorney General McGraw with the Farley clan – Sam, Yvonne and Luke. Mrs. Farley was hired by Jack Spadaro as a librarian at MSHA before he was forced to retire.
Besides receiving engraved plaques from WVLHA, they received “Outstanding West Virginian” Awards from Gov. Manchin. One of Mr. Marion’s daughters works for Gov. Manchin.
Jack Spadaro introducing Davitt McAteer and accepting his award
The ceremony was one of the best in the history of the event, taking place in the place that Mr. Marion helped build during a 60-year career with the Teamsters.
People who attended – many more on far right not shown
He also suggested that all Teamster retirees become members of the WVLHA in which he was active for many years. Grover is one of the nicest people I myself have ever met. God bless him and Mr. McAteer for all they did for the hard-working people of West Virginia.
President Gordon Simmons, introducing the table and select audience members
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