08/29/2025
In Memoriam: William R. Lathrop
May 11, 1948 – August 29, 2025
With great sadness, UFCW Local 1167 announces the passing of Former President William R. Lathrop on August 29, 2025.
Bill’s distinguished career began as an apprentice Meat Cutter and concluded as one of the most respected and honored coalition builders in the history of Southern California’s Labor Movement.
Born in Bell Gardens, the son of Joe and Phyllis Lathrop, Bill was one of seven children. He proudly served in the Army National Guard and graduated from East Los Angeles College in 1971—the same year he began working at a Lucky store in West Covina, launching a lifelong career in the supermarket industry. Just two years later, he stood on the picket line during his first strike as a member of Local 439, serving as a picket captain during the five-week labor dispute.
Bill’s passion for the labor movement grew quickly. He became a delegate to the Los Angeles Federation of Labor and the San Bernardino/Riverside Central Labor Council (CLC). In 1981, he was hired as a union representative for Local 439, later serving as secretary-treasurer until 1995, when the Meat Cutters local merged with the UFCW to form Local 1167. That same year, he was elected president of the San Bernardino and Riverside Counties CLC, where he worked tirelessly to unite labor unions, community groups, clergy, and elected officials in the fight for working people.
In 2001, Bill succeeded Bill Sauriol as president of UFCW Local 1167. For the next 14 years, he guided the union’s 18,000 members through contract negotiations, organizing campaigns, and political initiatives. He played a pivotal role in the historic 141-day supermarket strike and lockout of 2003–2004, which affected tens of thousands of grocery workers across Southern California.
Bill’s leadership extended beyond Local 1167. In 2008, he was elected president of the UFCW Western States Council, where he championed pro-worker legislation. That same year, he was honored as Labor Warrior of the Year. Over the years, he was recognized with numerous awards, including Labor Leader of the Year by both the San Bernardino/Riverside CLC (2009) and Instituto De La Raza (2012). He was also celebrated as Labor Leader of the Decade by the San Bernardino/Riverside CLC and was recognized by the Riverside NAACP for his contributions to social and economic justice.
“Bill Lathrop is the sort of leader who leads by example, providing a model of humility, optimism, and a relentless pursuit of excellence for everyone else to admire and follow,” said Joe Duffle, current president of UFCW Local 1167. “Anyone who spent five minutes with Bill could see why his colleagues were so fond of him. When times got stressful, he was always ready with a story to ease the tension and guide everyone toward a positive outcome.”
Bill retired on December 31, 2014, leaving behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and dedication to working families that will never be forgotten.
UFCW Local 1167 extends its deepest condolences to the Lathrop family, Bill’s many friends, and all who were touched by his life and leadership.