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A Shining Example of BCTGM ExcellenceHillsboro, N.D.—Loyal, hardworking, dedicated and kindhearted is how his fellowBCTGM Local Local 372G membersdescribe Basil Almquest.Basil B. Almquist, 74, beganworking with American CrystalSugar in 1974 and has been abulk sugar operator since May1977. He has been a boardmember of Local 372G sinceits organization in 1975. In1983, he was elected financialsecretary, a position he proudlycontinues to serve.Like most BCTGM members,Basil enjoys a comfortablelife and has a loving familyhe adores.Basil and Senora,his wife of 48years, live inCummings, N.D.The Almquist’s have four children.His union membership hasplayed an important role in everyaspect of his life. His job atAmerican Crystal has helped himput four children through college,provided health care coverage infamily emergencies and enabledhim to make it through sometragic events by giving him purposeand friendship.In 1993, their daughter,Sharilyn, was in an automobileaccident. Her neck was brokenbetween cervical vertebrae fourand five. Shari recovered but wasleft a quadriplegic. This greatlyaltered the family’s life. Together,Basil and Senora planned andmade all the required housingand healthcare modifications inorder to care for Shari at home.“Shari was not going to beput in an institution,” notedLocal 372G Fin. Secy. BasilAlmquist (left) receives his 25-year pin from Pres. Terry Holm.Basil. The couple devoted eightand-a-halfyears to Shari’s careand committed their lives tomaking hers as comfortable andas happy as possible. Being aBCTGM member and a longtimeworker at American Crystal“I like going to workand am glad that Ican. Today’s olderAmericans are thehealthiest and mostproductive group inhistory.”helped Basilmeet the financialobligationsof Shari’s care. Sadly, Sharipassed away on May 13, 2001.Basil continues to work, andadmits that his job and thefriendship of his BCTGM brothersand sisters has been animportant element in handlinghis grief.Noting his pride in his jobBasil says, “I like going to workand am glad that I can. Today’solder Americans are the healthiestand most productive group inhistory.”Basil’s job requires that hestay up-to-date with the latesttechnological advances includingcomputer operations. “There aremany new advances and techniquesin producing more andbetter sugar at faster and moreefficient levels,” he says.In 1999, North DakotaGovernor Shafer honoredBasil as an “outstanding elderlyworking in North Dakota.”As the award demonstrates,Basil continues to serve as arole model for younger generationsand inspires others as areflection of grace and productiveaging, demonstrating thevalue of lifelong learning andachievement while adding diversityto the workplace.In addition to his contributionsat work, Basil is a dedicatedfamily man and communitymember.And at 74, Basil insists hehas no immediate plans forretirement. Every morning Basilwalks to work, which helpsexplain his excellent health. Bywalking, Basil says, he gets togreet other BCTGM memberseither reporting for the day orgoing home after completingtheir shifts. “It is also a goodtime to think and meditate,” hesays. Basil also maintains a verylarge vegetable garden as well asseveral flower gardens in hisimmense yard.“When the time occurs,” Basiland Senora say they would liketo do some traveling and visittheir family. But until then Basilcontinues his life as a proud 25-year member of the union.March/April 2002 www.bctgm.org 3