May 6, 1981

Frank Fitzsimmons was an important and powerful voice in the American labor movement. His death is a sad moment not only for the millions of Teamster union members he so diligently represented but for our nation as well.

Affable and humorous, Frank Fitzsimmons was also -- from his earliest days as a labor organizer in the 1930's -- a hard bargainer who won the respect of both business and political leaders throughout the Nation.

Frank was here at the White House recently. I expressed gratitude then for his kind words of support. All of us were deeply impressed with the courage and dignity with which he bore his illness.

I was personally very fond of Frank and will miss him. Nancy and I convey our deepest sympathy to his family and to the members of the Teamsters union.

Date
05/06/1981