Service tomorrow for HSA activist Colya Kaminiarz
HSA members are welcome to a service Wednesday, June 20 to remember HSA activist Colya Kaminiarz.
Wednesday, June 20th, 2007 from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. at Vancouver General Hospital, Jim Pattison Pavilion 1st floor, Paetzold Meeting Rooms 1 and 2, 855 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver
How to get there: Enter hospital from main entrance on 12th avenue at Jim Pattison Pavilion. Walk directly ahead past main doors (Cafe Ami is on the left) past the Information Desk. The Paetzold Atrium and Meetings are on your right. Directional signs will be posted.
Remembering Colya
Colya Kaminiarz, member-at-large for HSAs Region 4 from 2005 to 2007, steward at Vancouver Hospital since 1999, and the president-elect of the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists, died unexpectedly in his sleep May 22, 2007 at his home in Vancouver. He was 36.
He was an energetic advocate for HSA members, his profession and his students ... at 32 he was already a clinical instructor at Vancouver Hospital, supporting students from the University College of the Cariboo respiratory therapy program through their eight- to 16-week practice rotations.
He brought to his union a clarity of purpose, and was a strong advocate for HSA members from Vancouver Hospital. As a trade unionist, he believed in acting individually for a common purpose. At the 2007 convention, he was the first speaker at the microphone, moving a motion to fine all delegates who interrupted the proceedings with cell phone rings. Proceeds of the fines were to go to HSA Run for the Cure contribution to the fight against breast cancer. That small gesture raised more than $200.
In the union, he served as an occupational health and safety steward and general steward, and served on the unions occupational health and safety committee and resolutions committees. His insightful and practical contributions were valued by all who worked with him. In 2006, Kaminiarz was featured in the unions bargaining advertising campaign to enhance the profile of health science professionals.
This month, Kaminiarz was due to be sworn in for a one-year term as president of the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists. As a respected leader in his profession, he was scheduled to be a panel participant at the June Canadian Anesthesiologists Society conference.
Born in Hamburg, Germany and raised on Bowen Island, Kaminiarz studied sciences at UBC and worked in the Canadian Forces Medical Reserves. In 2005 he was qualified to join the Medevac program to transport patients back to Canada from around the world.
For a feature article on Colya, published in the HSA Report, click on the following link: http://www.hsabc.org/viewReport.php?rid=14&page=11&id=12&sid=6