April/ May 2006:
To all who grieved, respected and valued Bob Hoshaw---Thank you. The support shown to the family during this time has not gone unnoticed and is deeply appreciated. He will be gravely missed and never forgotten. Again, Thank you! Bobbie Hoshaw-League (his daughter)
| NTEU Bulletin |
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| In Memoriam—Robert Hoshaw |
| NTEU is mourning the
loss of Robert Hoshaw, president of Chapter 274 (FDIC Kansas City), who
died in April from complications arising out of surgery. The Chapter 274 leader was well-known throughout NTEU as a result of his activism, especially in the legislative and political arenas. He played a key role in the MOKAN coalition of chapters involved in these activities in Missouri and Kansas. In a message to chapter presidents nationwide, NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley said she had known and worked with Hoshaw since his early days as an NTEU supporter and leader. “He served on every major FDIC bargaining team over the years, making major contributions at term, mid-term and compensation tables,” she said. The NTEU leader added that federal employees “were lucky to have Bob on their side over these years,” noting, in particular, the usefulness of his knowledge of the FDIC and of federal employee issues overall—and his sense of humor. Hoshaw is survived by his widow, Jeanette; five children, Jeanine Jackson, Lisa Phillips, Michelle Quinn, Bobbie J. League and Ted La Vigne; and 13 grandchildren. |
Almost ten years ago, I talked with Bob Hoshaw for the first time. I had crossed over from DOF in New York City and wanted to be involved with the newly forming union chapter. Things were chaotic and confused, but when I talked with Bob, it seemed as if it would all work out okay. Maybe it was his accent, or maybe his confidence, but listening to Bob always made me smile.
Bob worked endlessly for our chapter. He donated enormous amounts of time, he let us stay at his home, and he put up with a lot of nonsense from management and members. While many contributed, Bob Hoshaw was the driving force and spirit of Chapter 274.
Bob seemed to know everyone in the region, and he was always ready to shake their hand and listen to their point of view. Whether he was in Kansas City, Washington, Chicago, Las Vegas, or anywhere, Bob would pick someone out of the crowd and talk as if they were old friends, which they probably were.
The President’s Notes section of the chapter’s website has a picture of Bob sitting with me at breakfast during the 2005 Phoenix conference. I distinctly remember what we talked about that morning. I was complaining, which is not unusual. But Bob listened, sympathized, explained what could be done, and put me in a good mood. Look at Bob gesturing toward the camera, and you will see the optimistic man who made a difference for so many of us.
From when we met to when I was promoted out the bargaining unit and region, Bob and I talked every other week or so, sometimes more often. We occasionally disagreed and squabbled, but no one could stay mad at Bob for even the length of a phone call. While I was obviously pleased to be promoted, what I miss the most was talking to Bob. I’m sad knowing that I’ll never be able to talk to him again.
Goodbye Bob, and thank you.
Craig S.
Chapter President Bob Hoshaw appointed me as a steward in 1998, shortly after the NTEU was chosen to represent the Kansas City region. I served as a steward for four years. Bob was a big supporter of the chapter's web site, and was instrumental in helping it gain acceptance with chapter members. I remember the "can do" he attitude displayed. For years, we received decrees from management and were told after changes were made "that's just how it's going to be." People in the field had no recourse. Bob spearheaded meetings with regional management that actually yielded results. He served on the national pay and compensation negotiations. We owe a debt to Bob for helping negotiate the current pay and compensation agreement we have now. While the agreement isn't perfect, we certainly could have done worse by paying substantially more for health care benefits and having reduced 401K matching. Also, let's not forget the terribly unpopular CSA awards have been discontinued.
Goodbye Bob, you were a good person and you lived an honorable life. I am glad to have known you.
Kevin B.
