David Werlin

David (Dave) Werlin August 18, 1934 – February 6, 2025. It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Dave Werlin announces his passing on Thursday, February 6th at the age of 90. He leaves behind many family and friends to mourn his loss and to cherish many shared memories. Dave was born on the family homestead outside of Elfros, Saskatchewan. During his younger years he was intrigued with airplanes and was very proud of the fact that he acquired a private pilot’s license. Dave was also a baseball enthusiast and enjoyed watching his favorite team – the Toronto Blue Jays. Music was another of his passions and he even tried his hand at learning to play the violin. A lifelong peace and social activist, Dave had been a union member for over sixty-five years and seldom missed an opportunity to join his brothers and sisters on a picket line. He joined CUPE Local 37 in 1956 and later became a member of ATU Local 583 as a Calgary Transit operator. Dave then moved to Vancouver where he was recording secretary/business agent of CUPE Local 1004 and Regional VP on the CUPE National Executive Board. In 1979 he was appointed to the position of CUPE National Representative. From 1983 to 1989, Dave was President of the Alberta Federation of Labour and advocated tirelessly for the working people of this province. He then returned to CUPE and in 1992 was promoted to Alberta Regional Director – a position he held until his retirement in 1998. He was president of the Alberta Labour History Institute since its inception in 1999 until 2013, was a member of Public Interest Alberta and Friends of Medicare. Dave was a life member of CUPE Local 1004 and the Alberta Council on Aging. Dave married Karen on March 7, 1998 and became stepfather to her children Lisa and Andy (Amy) Mottershead. Over the years he became known as Papa Dave to her 6 grandchildren, Julian and Cassie Kiriakides, and Lucas, Grace, Freya and Connor Mottershead. Dave passed away peacefully with his loving wife Karen by his side. Also mourning Dave’s passing are his daughters Sherry (Bruce) Coughlan and children Liam and Erinn, Debbie MacDonald and children Chris, Shannon and Brian, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his son Douglas and his siblings Richard, Anne and Edna. In keeping with Dave’s wishes, no service will be held. The family will be holding a private celebration of life at a later date. For those who would like to commemorate Dave’s life, please consider making a donation in his name to the CUPE 3550 strike fund at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cupe-local-3550-edmonton-public-schools-support-staff

David Werlin

August 18, 1934 - February 6, 2025