National funds administrator, archivist, passes away

THOMAS LUSK WANDS JR., 80, retired administrator of the Boilermakers’ national funds office, former archivist for the Boilermakers union, and 54-year member of the National Transient Lodge, passed away June 21, 2009.

Thomas L. Wands Jr.
1929-2009

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Wands owned the James Lusk Co. before beginning a career with the Boilermakers in 1955.

In 1960, Wands became the first administrator of the Boilermakers’ national pension and health and welfare funds, a position he held until his retirement Dec. 31, 1985.

In 1991, the International union contracted with Wands to work as its national archivist. A third-generation member, Wands’ family history with the union dates back to the early 1900s. Relying on his personal experience and his artistic abilities (Wands designed various logos for the International, including the union’s official seal), he spent many hours researching records and the union’s official publications to piece together the puzzle of artifacts he found in piles at the union’s Kansas City headquarters.

During his term as archivist (1991-2004), Wands put together a museum-quality display depicting the union’s history from the 19th century to the present day. That display can still be viewed at the National Archives building, located just one block West of International headquarters.

In 2003, then-Intl. Pres. Charles W. Jones presented Wands with the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor the International union has to bestow.

Wands is survived by his wife, Betty, Overland Park, Kan.; son and daughter-in-law, Hayden and Martina Wands of Naperville, Ill.; and two grandchildren, Brittany and Carter.