The former heads of Unifor Local 444 are remembering Sergio Marchionne.
Speaking on AM800's "The Morning Drive" Dino Chiodo says Marchionne was an individual who loved cars and understood the business.
He says as president of the local, he dealt with Marchionne for two collective agreements.
"Directly, we've talked about the investment of the $2.6 billion, the biggest single investment we've ever done in North America for any Fiat facility. So it was pretty amazing that we were able to get that kind of money here," says Chiodo.
He says Marchionne loved cars.
"He was a car buff, a car fanatic," says Chiodo. "I think he loved Canada. I think he loved the people in the community. I think he loved people in our country and he brought a lot of things to Canada for us."
Chiodo says Marchionne understood the business.
"He wanted to make sure that there was a fair deal that was on the table whether it be for the company or employees but he was a shrewd business man," says Chiodo. "He knew what he was looking for. He knew what the price of coffee was at the end of the day."
Ken Lewenza says Marchionne saved Chrysler.
"We can only hope that he's in a better place, but God darn it, did he leave behind a legacy that we can all be proud of. Sergio, God bless you my friend," Lewenza told AM800's "The Lynn Martin Show."
Lewenza says Marchionne was focused and determined.
"I would suggest his work ethic was second to one. He led and led by example and he focused everybody around him to be better," says Lewenza.
The former head of Unifor Local 444 says Marchionne also did a lot for the community.
"If it was not for Sergio Marchionne agreeing with U.S. President Obama to take over the corporation, Chrysler would not have got out of it it. The company would have went into bankruptcy and it would have sold Chrysler corporation in pieces because nobody else was stepping up to the plate," says Lewenza.
The 66-year-old Marchionne passed away Wednesday morning from complications from surgery.