Gene Vanderport

Gene Michael Vanderport, 66, of Urbana, beloved husband, father, grandfather, union brother, social activist, comrade, and friend, died suddenly on Saturday night, June 25, 2016. Born in Tilton on August 29, 1949, the son of Oscar Vanderport and Marie Underwood Vanderport, who preceded him in death, Gene graduated from Westville High School and University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. He married Germaine Light on May 1, 2004 in Funks Grove. She survives. Also surviving are his son David Vanderport, granddaughter Jill Ann Vanderport, and grandson Cole Robert Vanderport, all of Denver, Colorado, and his many friends and countless individuals who have benefited over the years from Gene's wisdom, support, counsel, and wicked sense of humor. Beginning his career at the Danville Veterans Administration, Gene was also local president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). AFGE then hired him as staff. He was employed with AFGE for about 20 years, eventually becoming their National Organizing and Political Director, working out of Washington DC. In the 90s Gene became Region 9 UniServ Director for Illinois Education Association (IEA), and in that capacity for about 20 years, advocated for teachers and support staff in over 20 IEA locals in Champaign and Ford Counties. Throughout his labor career Gene promoted community coalitioning. While in Vermilion County, he was active in the Labor Round Table and was president of the United Labor Coalition. While in Champaign County, he was long-time Chairman of the UIUC Campus Labor Coalition, founding member and first president of Central Illinois Jobs with Justice: The Mother Jones Chapter, and IEA delegate to the Champaign County AFL-CIO Local Labor Council. A democratic socialist from his high school days and on, Gene was a founding and lifetime member of the Urbana-Champaign Socialist Forum. He was delighted to witness and help with the strong campaign of Bernie Sanders for President. A Visitation will be held from 1 to 4 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at 4 pm on Sunday, July 10, at the Laborers' Hall, 108 East Anthony Drive, Urbana, IL 61801. The scattering of his ashes in the forest will follow at Gene's Vermilion County home, the Green Cocoon. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Central Illinois Jobs With Justice, Public I, or the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be left at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Visitation Jul 10, 2016 Sunday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Laborer's Union Hall 108 East Anthony Drive Urbana, IL 61801 Celebration of Life Jul 10, 2016 Sunday, 4:00 PM Laborer's Union Hall 108 East Anthony Drive Urbana, IL 61801

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