John Lynch – Proud 75-Year Union Member 

John Lynch’s story is a remarkable example of lifelong dedication to his craft and his Union. Born and raised in San Francisco, John graduated from Balboa High School and joined the Union right out of school in 1950, beginning his painting career with Landow Painting. Once he journeyed out, he was earning ninety-one cents an hour — and now, 75 years later, he proudly remains a Union member.

Over the decades, John has been deeply involved in the labor movement. He attended meetings faithfully and even served as President of Local Union 364 in Santa Rosa before it later merged with Local 83. His commitment to his brothers and sisters in the trade has been unwavering for three-quarters of a century.

Reflecting on his years as a painter, John says he truly loved his trade — from the variety of projects to the skills he learned along the way. He remembers when painters matched colors on a color wheel during apprenticeship training and recalls the very different safety practices of his time, like washing brushes with coal oil and mixing lead paint by hand. Despite those challenges, John looks back fondly on the work and the camaraderie that came with being part of the Union.

Among his many accomplishments, John takes pride in having worked on the Children’s Hospital in San Francisco and countless high-rises throughout the city. His advice to younger tradespeople is clear and wise: “Be safe and use your PPE and safety equipment.” Having carried heavy five-gallon buckets up and down multi-story buildings, John encourages today’s workers to use tools that make their jobs easier and safer.

When asked what he’d say to someone thinking about joining the Union, John doesn’t hesitate: “JOIN! It’s the way to go because you get a retirement plan and protection as a member.”

Now in retirement, John channels his steady hands and artistic eye into building detailed ship and boat replicas — not the small hobby shop models, but large-scale, museum-quality pieces. One of his proudest builds is a nine-foot replica of the SS Jeremiah O’Brien, painted with paint from the actual ship. His craftsmanship even earned him an award at the Sonoma County Fair. According to his nephew Andre, who often drives him to events, John has built an entire “armada” of ships, including a six-foot-long tugboat.

After 75 years of Union membership, John Lynch continues to embody the pride, work ethic, and brotherhood that define our trades. His lifelong dedication to his craft and community serves as an inspiration to us all.