Arne Auvinen
1923-2014
Arne Emrick Auvinen, 91, born May 9, 1923, transitioned into eternity on July 31, 2014. A graduate of Robert A. Long High School (1941), Longview WA, he most enjoyed vocational training in carpentry. Following the death of his father, Paul Auvinen, shortly after high school graduation, Arne joined the U.S. Army, with basic training at Fort Lewis, WA; and Advance Individual Training in Combat Engineering at Fort Houston, TX. During WWII, he served in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Luxemburg, sending money home to help his mother Helka (Paavola) Auvinen while he served overseas. He was honorably discharged following exemplary service during the war. After witnessing the horrors of Nazi Germany, Arne studied Christianity and Buddhism and was vocal about applying principals of compassion and equality for everyone as a means to the make the world a better place.
His chosen vehicle for compassion and service was the post war labor movement as a Longshoreman in the I.L.W.U. (International Longshoremen’s and Warehousemen’s Union). Arne was a member of Local 21 in Longview WA for 18 years. Serving as President, Secretary-Treasurer, Executive Board Member and Dispatcher as well as the caucus delegate from 1957-1966. Arne helped open the union and port to workers and families from Hawaii as well as other minorities and supported woman on the job as equals sighting bigotry as the social cancer that created WWII. In 1967 Arne became a Walking boss and transferred to Local 92 in Portland OR, serving as the Longview area Vise President and President. He served as a caucus and convention delegate from 1971-1976. Arne also served on the Walking Bosses Coast-wide Negotiation Committee. After retirement in 1985 Arne served as Secretary-Treasurer, President and Executive Board Member; helping to bring history curriculum to the University of Washington through the Harry Bridges Foundation for History of the Labor Movement.
As a family man Arne served as his son’s Boy Scout leader, helped with his oldest daughters 4-H endeavors and supported his youngest daughter’s outdoor activities at Spirit Lake through the Longview YMCA. His first wife Margie Grooms died in 1982 of pancreatic cancer. Arne remarried to Esther Fitzsimmons later that same year and went on to enjoy his retirement.
He is survived by his wife Esther and daughter Kimberly Fitzsimmons, son, Michael and Lorene of Santa Rose, CAL; daughter Karen and Bud Sherman, of Longview WA; daughter Sue and Pam Streutker of Lakewood WA. Arne has a very large extended family and will be missed by many
Arne Emrick Auvinen
- Born May 9, 1923
- Father, Husband, Union Founder, and Worker Rights Activist
- Departed July 31, 2014.
