JOHN B. SCOLA OUTSTANDING INSTRUCTOR IN MEMORIAM

Derek Neikes — Local 1 Oregon/Washington/Idaho/Montana

Brother Neikes was a second-generation bricklayer who became a member of BAC Local 1 Oregon in 1989. His keen hand and eye coordination quickly had him working his way through his apprenticeship and into the panel shop. At each company Brother Neikes worked for during his career, he became a foreman and excelled at challenging and technical projects.

In 2014, Derek began teaching part-time for Local 1 OR/WA/ID/MT. It was clear that he had a knack for teaching brick apprentices. His passion for masonry was noticed by everyone around him. In October of 2017, he was hired to teach full-time.

Brother Neikes established strong connections with his apprentices. He was firm, but maintained the respect required to build relationships. He worked endless hours to make sure his students had the proper training to be successful. He volunteered after work and on the weekends to help apprentices sharpen their skills for the annual apprenticeship competition, leading to wins at the regional and national competitions.

In September 2019, he was diagnosed with esophageal/thyroid cancer. Throughout his ensuing battle, he still taught classes and was there for his local and his apprentices.

Brother Neikes was an exemplary role model for our apprentices and was among our union's finest teachers. He used his experience, knowledge, and love for the craft to pass his lessons of life forward to the next generation.