In Memoriam

We are saddened to inform the membership of the passing of Maurice Tremblay (Transportation Member) on November 29, 2023.

Please view his obituary here.

It is with much sadness that we notify you of the passing of Delphine White (Costume Member) on Monday, November 27, 2023. Please see the below message from Delphine:

Thank you IATSE 873 for 39 years. Before joining IATSE I was 22 years a member of the home-grown “Association of Canadian Film Craftspeople”. Once again, I was a founding member, brought to the first meeting of ACFC by Jacques Bradette and Hilton Rosemarin. In those early years I served on the Board of ACFC as its costume representative and one term as Vice President. With Costume Department members Kathy Vieira, Mary Partridge, and Eileen Kennedy, I had the privilege to write and teach courses. I have left these course outlines to the Education Committee of IATSE 873.

In 1994, after designing for 22 years, I worked as Set Supervisor on John Carpenter’s “Into the Mouth of Madness.” This was my first IATSE contract. Over the next six years I work in almost any capacity including Background Extras and Assistant Designer in addition to Set Supervisor, until, one day, Joe Boccia recommended me to take over the film “Bait” after the American Designer quit. It was a rough start, but it got me there.

Before joining IATSE I had worked on all of David Cronenberg’s films, until he contacted me after “Videodrome” to let me know he wanted to work with other designers. At the time, I was devastated, but now, when I look back, I realize that there was opportunity in the disappointment. In the years that followed, I was fortunate to work with Barry Levinson (“Man of the Year”), Terry Gilliam (“Tideland,” shared credit with Mario Davignon), Guillermo del Toro (“The Strain,” Season 4, Episodes 1 through 6), Deepa Mehta (“Martha, Ruth and Edie”), Norman Jewison (“Picture Windows - Soir Bleu”), Gus Van Sant (“Good Will Hunting,” script by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon), and many more inspired directors.

I also had occasion to work with costume designers Beatrix Pastor, Aggie Rodgers, Julie Weiss, Mario Davignon, Ruth Myers, and Maurizio Millenote, all of whom inspired me. At one point, I spent a season at the Stratford Festival working as a seamstress. It was a good season, and I learned a lot. Truth be told, my training and my education came through working. One important thing I have learned in a career spanning almost 60 years, is that each of us is our own special talent, and what we offer is unlike any other.

At Delphine’s request, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Ed’s House Hospice, 1301 Ontario Street, Cobourg, Ont. K9A 0N3 or a charity of your choice.

We are saddened to inform the membership of the passing of Eric Holmes (Lighting Member) on November 5, 2023.

He was a proud member of IATSE Local 873 for over 50 years and will be deeply missed by both the membership and the film community.

Below is the obituary for Eric Wojcik (Transportation Member):

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Arkasiusz (Eric) Wojcik. He was a loving husband to Agata for over 20 years. He will forever be missed by his children, Wiktoria, Kayah, and Sebastian.

Eric loved the outdoors, from fishing to camping and the beautiful scenery from coast to coast. He was a big fan of Formula One, having always wanted to go with his daughters. Eric was an avid animal lover; he knew lots of fun facts about different animals, and he owes all that to watching endless hours of Animal Planet.

Friends will be received at Ridley Funeral Home, 3080 Lake Shore Blvd W (at Fourteenth St between Kipling and Islington Aves) on Friday, November 3rd, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, November 4th, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Teresa Catholic Church.

We are saddened to inform the membership of the passing of Michael Walsh (Lighting Member) on October 2, 2023.

A service or celebration of life is not planned at this time. If you would like to get in touch with Michael’s daughter, Mandy, please contact Tracy, benefits@iatse873.com at the Union Office.