Leonard Douglas

Our union is greatly saddened to announce the passing of Leonard Douglas, Sr., who was an Engineer at the Kew Motor Inn for 35 years, a union member for 27, and a Delegate for 10. In his early years in Jamaica, Leonard learned to farm the luscious land with his father, George. Together they planted all sorts of flowers and vegetables, including loads of orange and grapefruit trees on their property. Leonard was affectionately called, “Petson,” by his dear mother, Susan. He adored her, and raved of her delicious Jamaican cooking.

Leonard started as a Maintenance Mechanic in the Engineering department at the Kew Motor Inn after coming to the U.S. in 1985. His wife Vanessa tells us, “Leonard was a diligent advocate for immigrant workers at the Kew, encouraging them to join the union and fighting for their rights and benefits head on, in his quiet humble manner. When he served as their Delegate, he used his God given integrity to meet the needs of his co-workers.” Leonard also received certification from John Jay College’s Fire Science Program and worked as the Fire Safety Director at the Hotel from 2014 to 2019.

He met and married the love his life, Vanessa, in 1989, and they moved to Belleville, New Jersey in 2008. Her fondest memories of Leonard were his absolutely side splitting stories, him rocking out to reggae music, and his beautiful plants and rock garden. She says, “Leonard loved humanity, never quarreling, only advising, ‘Leave the wicked to God!’ He loved justice and walked humbly with his Creator.” Leonard is deeply missed and remains cherished by his coworkers at the Kew, his large family, and many others who knew him.