Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.Leo Kinney:
A True Shipmate
Webster’s New World College Dictionary defines “shipmate” as a fellow sailor on the same ship. Webster is wrong! Our definition of “shipmate” is Harold (Leo) Kinney.
Leo Kinney—a man who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it and offer a helping hand to anyone, even the newest crew member, whom he would make feel at home.
It was a pleasure to work with Leo, no matter what department he worked in: galley, deck or engine room. He would put his whole heart into every job from the cleanest to the dirtiest.
Leo was the best cook on board our vessel. He will be remembered for his positive attitude. He was always cheerful, and it was a pleasure coming in at coffee time and meal hours.
He always asked everyone if there was anything special he could cook for them or anything he could get them on the stores list. He tried to make everyone’s life on board these vessels a little easier.
We could go on and on about all the good things and hard work this man did for his shipmates and the company, and few would disagree that it was a pleasure—and an honor—to work beside this man. He will be missed by many.
May you rest in peace, Leo.
Your friends, brothers
and shipmates
(Editor’s note: Brother Harold (Leo) Kinney died May 28, 2006. The above letter from his shipmates was sent to the Seafarers LOG by David Ling, an SIU member working aboard the Dredge Liberty Island.)
Thanks for
All Your Help
I am writing to thank our union for all the help extended to my wife and me this past year.
My wife was in the hospital for 43 days after major brain surgery. She had a full recovery.
I am now seriously disabled and am not able to work. I am receiving medical benefits for my problem. If it were not for the sickness and accident benefit, we would be in desperate straits. If not for these benefits, I don’t know what we would do.
Most of all, I wish to thank Brother John Cox, our port agent in Wilmington, Calif. From the very first, he went far beyond his duties and responsibilities. I was at sea when my wife’s injury occurred. John took control, got me home and was directly involved in her recovery. For this, he deserves recognition for his direct help and uncalled-for involvement in our desperate time of need.
I first joined the union in 1967. The SIU has always been there to help and support my family and me. However, this effort by the union is beyond anything I have ever experienced.
John Cox is truly a “union man” in the fullest meaning of the phrase. He runs his hall in a fair and just manner for ALL. He is honest, knowledgeable and understanding and displays the qualities of leadership that we all need in these struggling times.
Once again, to Brother Mike Sacco, John Cox and our great union, I say God bless you.
George Paul Barber
San Diego, Calif.
Keeping Busy
After Retirement
I joined the Merchant Marine in 1943 and retired 27 years later in 1970 as an NMU member. I am very glad the SIU and NMU united and am receiving the Seafarers LOG, which I appreciate very much.
I am very concerned about the passage of H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to Merchant Mariners of World War II because there are not so many of us great old seamen still alive.
I think it is about time that some credit be given to us for all the efforts we made in keeping this country free. I am very proud of what I did for our country.
At 83, I am still trying to do something to keep busy. I compose music and have an Internet site (www.rupertolopez.5U.com). In April, Hilltop Records of Los Angeles came out with a CD, and one of my songs, “I’m Lonely Again,” is on it. They want to record two more songs, “From Texas to New York” and “My Dear United States.”
God bless you all.
Ruperto López Rosado
Hormigueros, P.R.
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