OBITUARIES: Taylor got the word out for Labor Press

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=714120

By AMY RABIDEAU SILVERS
[e-mail]
Posted: Feb. 3, 2008

Ray Taylor didn't start out in journalism, but he became editor of the largest local labor union newspaper in the country.

That was back in the heyday of Milwaukee unions, when circulation for the AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press topped 100,000.


Taylor

His role came to include much more than just traditional editorial duties. By the time he retired as editor in 1981, he was described as everything from a labor leader and lobbyist to civic leader and critic.

"He was close to Henry Maier," said daughter Vicki Taylor. "Dad had a sort of long-running feud with the Journal Sentinel. I think he always challenged the establishment - the American Medical Association and lawyers, too - though he was always able to build relationships."

Ray W. Taylor died of natural causes on Tuesday. He was 91.

Taylor was valedictorian when he graduated from Custer High School in 1934. His family was far from well-to-do, though, and college was not in the cards. He got his first job at the old Wisconsin Motor Corp. In 1935, the Wagner Act gave workers the right to organize unions.

FULL story at link.

[norskeamer]

1. Mourning an American hero ...

As it appears increasingly unlikely that the politicians we elect to high offices (given the current state of American politics) will actually be 'in it' for the same noble reasons Ray Taylor was.

[Omaha Steve]

2. Welcome to the DU and the Labor Forum

Good to see you.