Alan Willaert, the American Federation of Musicians’ Vice President from Canada and Director of Canadian Affairs passed away on April 18.

Willaert began his music career began at 15, and was a touring musician through the late 1990s. Throughout his career he passionate and a tenacious advocate for Canadian musicians—whether at contract negotiations or speaking about the impact of legislation before parliament.

He was elected to the AFM board of Local 467 (Brantford, ON) in the 1980s. In 1990, he was asked to interview and was subsequently hired for the position of international representative by former Vice President from Canada, the late J. Alan Wood. Willaert’s next appointment with AFM began in 2007, when he became the electronic media and intellectual property supervisor, followed by being named the executive director for Canada in 2011. Willaert held the position of executive director for Canada until being appointed by the AFM International Executive Board as vice president from Canada in March 2012.

“I first met Alan when I was a newly elected officer. At that time, he was the international representative for the Canadian locals,” says AFM International President Tino Gagliardi in a press release. He continues, “Because of his experience and knowledge of neighboring rights or any issue that affects musicians on either side of the border, not to mention his negotiating chops, we became fast friends. When he took the reins as Canadian VP, I was confident that the AFM was on the right track. And we were. We all learned from Alan; I know I did. I was so looking forward to our continued alliance and collaboration. Alan, I regret not being able to say ‘Love ya, brother” one last time. You will always be in my heart and mind.”

Although he was diagnosed with cancer last summer, his death was sudden at home. A celebration of life will be planned in the near future.