The labour community in Windsor-Essex is mourning the death of one of its leaders, Mike Renaud.
Renaud started his career at ADM in 1979 and soon was involved with his union. He was elected 2nd Vice President of CAW Local 195 in 1990 and moved up through the ranks to President in 1997.
Between 2007 and his retirement in April 2023, Renaud assumed the role of National Representative in the Unifor regional office.
Renaud was a strong advocate for working-class families and the less fortunate throughout his career.
"He was more than a rock; he was our mountain," wrote his family in an obituary. "He shaded us from life's harshness and protected us from harm. If you were his friend, you were his family."
Renaud's roots are in the River Canard area, where he grew up and raised his family. He loved baseball, and outside work continued his involvement in the local baseball community. He was a Detroit Tigers fan and coached his two boys and their teams for many years at LaSalle Turtle Club, LaSalle Titans, and Windsor Selects.
"He was a deeply respected figure in the community who worked tirelessly to ensure the continued vitality of the baseball community in the area," continued the obituary.
Renaud's funeral service was on Sunday at St. Joseph's Church in River Canard. He is survived by his wife, Ettolla, and his sons, Nathan and Noah.