A Local Union Roofer Died From The Heat This Week

A friend of mine who still works for a Union Company in the Chicago area stopped by to visit on his way home from his job site today.

While he was over, he got a phone call from a friend over at Quality Roofing. The person relayed to him that a young 33 year old man, who was the Superintendents Nephew, if I got the facts straight, by the name of Kale Westerhoff (sp?), passed away from the heat this week.

My heart and sympathy goes out to the Man, his Family and Friends. At first, when I overheard the conversation, I immediately presumed it would be an older man, probably nearing his retirement age, which would have been sad in it's own way too, but at this early age, it really seems wrong.

Be careful in the heat guys, not only for yourself, but your fellow workers also.

Remember, there is not any Do-Overs after Death takes it's strangle-hold on anyone, so be safe.

Ed >>>

You know it's hot when your mexican helper asks to go in the shade for a few minutes.After having spent 10-11 hours a day in the sun for the last 2 weeks I decided to cancel some weekend repairs.My heart was beating a little too fast.>>>

Kale George Westerhoff Jr. ShareE-mail Visit Guest Book KALE G. WESTERHOFF JR. CROWN POINT, IN Kale George Westerhoff, Jr., age 32, of Crown Point, formerly of Cedar Lake, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2009. Kale was a member of the Roofers Union Local #11. He was an avid fisherman. Kale was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: James Symmes, Jr. and Daisy Symmes; and brother, Robert Westerhoff. He is survived by his mother, Cynthia Westerhoff; brothers: Terrence (Jessica), Michael and Spc. Timothy (Cindy Westerhoff); sisters: Amanda (Sgt. Steven) Griffith and Stefphanie Westerhoff; uncle, James (Diane) Symmes; aunts: Patricia (Mark) Ohls, Tamitha (Mike) Rose, Catherine June, Diana Symmes and Jolynn (Tom) Brown; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN with Deacon James DeSales officiating. Interment St. James Cemetery, Lemont, IL. Friends may visit with the family at the Burns Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 30, 2009, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. www.burnsfuneral.com>>>

I often worried about my boys on the roof in the heat of summer, I would ask them about it, they would blow it off. Occassionally I would hear how they truly felt...the word was sick but they kept on working. I've done reading on heatstroke, it can happen quickly. Young or old, talk to your guys, TELL them to stop, seek shade & water & rest. BOSSMEN take heed 15 minute break versus a life. PC>>>

We got too hot the other day and left for the landfill. Got too hot again at the landfill and drove 10 miles to the lake and jumped in to cool down. The water was a little warm too. But we stayed in for an hour or so and cooled off! Sorry to hear about this.>>>

I got it once. I laid down on the customers concrete floor to cool off. As I remember the heat then affected me more so the next two summers>>>

Wow! I got off the roof the other day and went home to a cold shower for about 10 minutes to bring down my core temprature. I had a nasty headache and am still sore.>>>