Derek Hines of D579
Derek Hines, a member of International Brotherhood of Boilermakers D579, was killed September 15, 2020 while at work. The incident happened at Shaw Brick Inc. in Lantz, Nova Scotia.
Derek was 41 years young. He leaves behind three daughters, a son and a grieving family along with an extremely saddened workforce. Derek was the nephew of Local Lodge D579 President Shawn Hines who helped launch his career at Shaw Brick after working for many years in the oil industry.
Brother Hines started working at Shaw Brick as a temporary brick sorter. He had experience on machinery such as excavators and loaders. He had a Class 1 truck licence that allowed him to be a spare in the ‘pit’, running the pit dump truck and excavator. Derek earned the opportunity to operate the large forklift in the brick yard. He was a ‘natural’ on any equipment and filled in as a spare where needed. In 2019, Derek began working in the grinding room. He worked well with the team and his abilities and aptitude made him a real asset to the team.
Derek played hockey in East Hants for many years and was a devoted Maple Leaf’s fan. He also enjoyed spending time at his family’s camp on Cousin’s Lake. Derek was a jack-of-all-trades (as most Boilermakers are) and could do any job, including fixing up many sheds and gearing them up with wood stoves: the perfect "man cave”. Derek is now with his best friend, his beloved grandfather with whom he had spent a huge part of his life with.
Business Manager of D10 Tony Andrade said, “With all attention focused on the global pandemic we as Boilermakers should not detract our attention away from our safety in other areas, i.e. - work.” He further added “We work in a dangerous environment, and always need to stay focused on our safe work practices.”
Derek was a loyal, hardworking, reliable employee…what some call “a man’s man” - he will be missed dearly by all his union brothers and management at Shaw Brick.
Tony Andrade asked, “Please remember our fallen Union Brother in your prayers…I ask you to honour him by being as safe as possible at work and out in your everyday life.”