AFT President Randi Weingarten Mourns Passing of Founding MFPE President and Former AFT Vice President Eric Feaver

WASHINGTON—American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement on the death of Eric Feaver, founding president of the Montana Federation of Public Employees and a former AFT vice president:

“Eric wasn’t loud or showy, but when he was in the room, his presence and persistence were impossible to miss. He helped build a labor movement in Montana, understanding workers had a path to dignity when they acted together. He was a gifted and celebrated public servant—from his time as a decorated combat medic in Vietnam, to his work as an English and social studies teacher in Helena public schools, and to his nearly four decades as a steadfast voice for working people in his beloved state of Montana. There was no one more passionate to exchange ideas with; despite our different geographic and demographic backgrounds, Eric and I demonstrated how to find common ground on public education, on labor and on the issues that matter most to working families. 

“He never backed down from a fight, and he never shied away from speaking up, leaving an indelible mark on this union, on MFPE and on everyone we represent. We are all better because of his leadership, and we will miss him terribly. Our hearts are with Ellen, his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren; may Eric’s memory continue to be a blessing.”