We mourn the passing of Brother Robert (Spike) Sheffield, who was 81 years old, and had been a Local 569 and IBEW member for over 60 years.
Brother Sheffield was proudly born in El Centro, where he graduated from Central High School. He was intrigued by electrical engineering, and pursued the subject at the University of Arizona, for two years. Spike soon realized that working “in the field” was more interesting, so he applied for and was accepted into the Wireman’s apprenticeship program of then Local 447 (El Centro).
He continued to apply his craft through Local 447, until 1980, when Local 447 was amalgamated into Local 569. Spike continued his career with Local 569, working for contractors such as: Baker Electric, Mustang Engineering, Supreme Electric (2 dispatches, including as a Foreman), Southern Contracting, Interstate Electric (5 years), Steiny & Company (3 dispatches), Southland Electric, Lockard Electric, Domar Electric (twice dispatched). He worked as a foreman for the last three dispatches of his very long career; for Strain Electric, Supreme Electric, and lastly, Dynalectric, where he was foreman for over 6½ years. Spike retired in December 2007. He leaves behind quite a legacy, as part of the Imperial Valley Local 569 “newbies” of 1980.
He freely shared his insights about the Imperial Valley vibe of that era. Spike’s son, Robert, Jr., is also a Local 569 Journeyman Inside Wireman, who was initiated in 1985.
In his memory, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation at michaeljfox.org.
