HEU PEOPLE

Retirements

In February, activity worker Linda Francescangeli retired from Trinity Centre Care Society in Penticton after 21 years of service.

“I really enjoyed the connection with our residents and the variety of programs we provide to them,” says Linda. “Getting to hear people’s stories can be very enlightening.”

One of Linda’s co-workers recalls, “Linda is a caring and considerate person who takes time getting to know folks and ensuring they feel included.”

“I will miss my co-workers and the friendships that have developed over the years,” says Linda.

During retirement, she plans to live a less hectic life, which she says will be a welcome change.

In Memoriam

Joyce Dawson passed away in February. She worked in Health Records at the Prince George Regional Hospital.

Joyce served several terms on the HEU Provincial Executive. She delighted in recruiting new shop stewards and supporting fairness in the workplace and equality for women. Her leadership is still resonating.

Along with her passion for justice, Joyce loved reading and was a great listener. Strong and passionate in her opinions, her voice carried far in her values, as well as in volume. She was a force to be respected.

Joyce was well-known to many and will be dearly missed.

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In March, millwright Alexei Gorchounov died tragically. He began working as a millwright at Royal Jubilee Hospital in 2012, and more recently at Victoria General Hospital.

“He was a skilled artisan with anything made out of metal, whether it was specialized clamps made for operating rooms or items of a more personal nature, such as detailed miniature work he performed on retirement gifts or other presents over the last few years,” says Alexei’s director.

An avid outdoorsman, Alexei loved Vancouver Island, where he could fish and do the activities he enjoyed.

Alexei will be missed by his family, friends and co-workers. “Do svidaniya!” (Until we meet again!)

Longtime HEU member and representative Della McGaw passed away May 17, after a long illness.

Della began her HEU career as a care aide at Penticton and District Retirement Centre long-term care facility, where she served as secretarytreasurer of her local.

She was a strong voice for seniors’ care when the Centre was closed by the BC Liberals in 2002, calling the decision “appalling.”

Della began working for the union in 2003, at the Provincial Office in Burnaby.

During her time at HEU, she was wellrespected and admired. Beginning as a servicing representative, she moved on to organizing and education, and worked as an occupational health and safety representative, before leaving the workplace in 2016.

Della will be deeply missed by her friends, family and many HEU members and colleagues.