We mourn the passing of Brother William (Billy) Duggins, who was 80 years old, and had been a Local 569 member for over 45 years. Rest In Power, Brother Billy.
In 1977, Billy came to our Local with journeyman level experience. Over the next several years, he would “prove his metal” at Arrow, Wyatt Electric, J.M. Electric, Bechtel Units 2 & 3, Rene Electric, Bechtel, and California Electric Works (CALEWO) before passing his Journeyman Wireman’s exam in March 1981.
During the following seven years, Billy would be dispatched to either wireman or sound shops, wherever his experience and expertise were needed. By late 1988, the State of California presented an offer he couldn’t refuse, and he went to work at Otay Mesa for the next two years. As a good Union member, Billy continued to pay his Union dues. By 1991, he came back to work through this Local. Dynalectric was Billy’s ‘home” for almost 2 years. He would then be dispatched to Davies, Neal Electric, Vanderlinden, Saturn Electric, and Baker Electric.
Soon after, the Electrical Training Institute (then known as the Joint Apprenticeship Training Center, or JATC), tapped Billy to teach classes on their campus. His joy in teaching and communicating with students became abundantly evident, as his students’ State Certification test scores soared “through the roof!” Even during Billy’s teaching career, he would “keep his hand in” the industry.
He was dispatched to (and stayed with) Morrow-Meadows for almost 4 years. RJ Donovan was Billy’s next dispatch. Then after a long stint at South Coast, he would accept short calls for the rest of his work career.
Although Billy fully retired in early 2018, his impact continues to be felt “across the board.” Over his long career, he has mentored innumerable apprentices. They are now grateful journeymen, and hopefully, they are also paying it forward.
Billy’s legacy will continue to thrive. Journeyman Inside Wireman and Local 569 Organizer, Chad Barclay, is Billy’s son-in-law.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 24th at 4:00 PM at the IBEW 569 Union Hall. RSVP here -> https://www.facebook.com/events/s/celebration-of-life-for-billy-/2287612668099361/?mibextid=RQdjqZ
