Texas Member Taken Hostage, Killed in AlgeriaJanuary 28, 2013 Victor Lovelady’s family members say he was a hero long before the project manager for a Houston-based energy firm was killed at an Algeria natural gas plant after being held hostage by Al Qaeda terrorists.
His daughter, Erin, told KFDM-TV Channel 6 News, “He was so laid back and understanding. I could have told him anything.” In the numerous news reports about Lovelady, one fact remained obscured. Victor Lovelady, 57, was a journeyman inside wireman, a second-generation member of Beaumont, Texas, Local 479. The 34-year member had not only exemplified excellence in the trade, he assisted in apprenticeship training. International Representative David Gonzales, a former Local 479 business manager, says:
Gonzales says Lovelady’s father, Dewey, and his uncle, Huey, were both members of Local 479. A native of Nederland, Texas, Lovelady was working for BP subcontractor ENGlobal Corporation, to inspect the plant, run by Algeria’s state oil company in cooperation with foreign firms. Thirty-seven hostages, including two other Americans, were killed at the plant. The FBI is still investigating. Lovelady’s family was notified that he had survived the first attempt by Algerian special forces to free the hostages. He was killed during a second attempt, 10 days after returning to the complex after a visit home. Terrorists who attacked the facility offered to release Lovelady and another American, Gordon Lee Rowan, in return for freeing two terror suspects held in the U.S., one of whom, Omar Abdel Rahman, was believed to be the spiritual leader of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The Obama administration rejected the offer. Mike Lovelady told CNN he was angry that the Algerian government had not called upon U.S. Navy SEALs or Britain’s Special Air Service commandos to take out the militants while sparing the hostages. Erin Lovelady, a teacher and softball coach in Longview, told CNN she expected her father to return home after getting word that he had survived the first rescue attempt. The family was planning a month-long trip to Belize, she told FuelFix.com. Her father was emotionally strong and nearly always remained calm during crises. She said:
Victor Lovelady also leaves behind his wife, Maureen, and son Grant, a student at Texas State University in San Marcos. In a letter to Victor Lovelady’s spouse, International President Edwin D. Hill said:
An account has been established to help Victor Lovelady’s family. Donations may be sent to: Victor Lovelady Account Five Point Credit Union P.O. Box 1366 Nederland, Texas 77627
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