Good & Welfare

I regret having to inform the membership of the passing of Craig Horwitz on April 14^th, 2024 at the age of 64. Brother Horwitz became a member of Local 728 on March 6^th, 1997 and left membership in 2013 after 15 years of service to the industry.

George "Geordie" MacDonald passed away on 5-26-24. He was 84 years of age. Brother MacDonald was a 32 year member of Local 728 after having spent the bulk of his career as a member of NABET from 1958-1992 when that union merged with IATSE. "Geordie" worked mostly as a commercial gaffer and in later years as his DP's retired or moved on, he worked as a balloon tech in the early days of that technical field. 

Brother William Silic, age 70, passed away on April 5th. Brother Silic retired in 2017 after over 40 years as a member of Local 728.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2024 in Blomgren Ranch located at 15142 Sierra Hwy | Santa Clarita, CA 91390 | Time: 1PM

I regret having to report the passing of Brother Ronald “Ron” Tickle on March 4, 2024 at the age of 84. Brother Tickle was a 63-year member of Local 728 having been obligated in November 1961.

I regret having to inform the membership of the passing of Jeff “Quickdraw” McGrath on March, 19^th 2024 while in Portugal with his family. Jeff was 77 years old and a 45-year member of Local 728 since May 20^th 1978. Jeff never completely retired from active service. His expertise as a follow spot operator and moving light technician on such shows as Masked Singer, Ridiculousness, Dancing with the Stars, Jimmy Kimmel Live and his good nature allowed him to pick where and when he worked. Services were private.

I greatly regret having to inform the membership of the passing of Beau Spencer, age 35 on March 13th, 2024. Brother Spencer became a member of Local 728 in August of 2012. He was an 11-year member of our Local. He worked on shows such as Mrs. Davis, The L Word, All Rise, Perry Mason, American Idol, The Voice and many more. His father is Local 728 member Scott Spencer.

 

Brother john Haskell age 85, passed away on February 7, 2024. Brother Haskell was a 48-year member of Local 728. He retired in early 2001 and enjoyed a 23-year retirement. During the latter part of his career he worked on “The Flintstones”, “Melrose Place”, “Diagnosis Murder”, “Clueless” and “Batman” .

Brother Richard Hart age 81, passed away on February 23, 2024. Brother Hart was a 58-year member of Local 728. He retired in the fall of 2007 and enjoyed a 17-year retirement.
Brother Hart was a Gaffer and Cinematographer who worked on film, television and commercials. He was the CLT on “Blade Runner”, “Thief” and 1971’s “Harold & Maude”. He was the 2^nd unit cinematographer on 1984’s “Romancing the Stone”.

I regret having to inform the membership of the passing of Brother John Haskell age 85 on February 7th, 2024. John was a 49-year member of Local 728 having been obligated in April 1974. During his long and distinguished 27 year career, he worked at many studios including Sam Goldwyn, Aaron Spelling, Disney, Fox, MGM and Warner Brothers studios. In his later years he worked the set on "Diagnosis Murder", "Melrose Place", "The Flintstones" and the original "Matlock" television series. John retired in January 2001 at age 63.