Lou Loveridge was an active participant and shaper of history during his ninety years that included a deep commitment to the ILWU and lifelong devotion to trade unionism that ended peacefully on November 16, 2017.
He was born on November 13, 1923 in the tiny community of Jefferson, South Dakota, a farm town located near the Missouri River in the farthest southeast corner of the state. His parents, Paul and Magel, raised their family with Lou and seven other children during the difficult years of the Great Depression, finally moving west to California in search of a better life when Lou was 14. When the Second World War erupted, Lou and his three other brothers – Fuzz, Chick and Joe – all served in the military. Lou joined the Navy where he became a Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class, assigned to duty aboard the U.S.S. Moctobi, an ocean-going tug that remained afloat until she was finally scrapped in 2012 at Mare Island, Vallejo, CA.
Lou had many loves, beginning with his wife Dorothy who passed in 2000, his daughter Cheryl, and another daughter Stephanie who preceded him in death. His six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. Other loves included a large number of pet dogs that he adored over many years; trying his luck at Las Vegas, Laughlin and local race tracks; his beautifully-restored bright-red Mustang; the Rams and Angels; collecting coins and donating to charities; listening to music and enjoying a glass of good wine.
His love for the ILWU and union causes of all kinds was also a deep devotion. Lou and all three of his brothers became longshoremen and members of Local 13. His skills and commitment were recognized by co-workers, who elected him to serve as their Vice President from 1973-74. A few years later he was elected to the top post at Local 13, serving as President during 19781979, again in 1982-1983 and a final term in 1986-1987.
He attended Longshore Caucus meetings regularly, both as a member and later as a Pensioner. After retiring from the job but not the struggle, he was elected President of the Southern California Pensioners’ Group. Three days before his passing, Lou celebrated his 90 birthday surrounded by a group of active Pensioners who brought him a cake.
“It was the last thing he ate,” said his daughter Cheryl. While confined to bed for his birthday, Lou expressed “how lucky I am to have the ILWU in my life,” and told everyone that he owed “everything I attained in life to the ILWU Harry Bridges.” A memorial service was held on December 2 in Rancho Palos Verdes that drew a large number of family, friends, union and community members who came from throughout the region to pay their respects to Lou.