May 30, 2003

Remembering a beloved employee: Ricardo Diaz

Although several months have passed since the tragic death of MGH employee Ricardo Diaz, 39 (below), deep emotions and heartfelt sadness still linger among MGHers who knew him well. Those employees — along with Diaz's family, friends, supervisors and MGH administrators — were able to express their feelings during a memorial service to honor and celebrate the life of Diaz held May 21.

"Ricardo's death was an incredibly difficult and painful tragedy for so many," Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH, told the standing-room-only crowd in the O'Keeffe Auditorium. "His life, though cut short, was rich with purpose and meaning. Ricardo touched a lot of people who will remember him always. And he touched a hospital that will forever be grateful."

Diaz, who worked in Buildings and Grounds, died Feb. 18 while plowing snow from the sidewalks around the hospital during the blizzard to make the paths clear and safe for patients, visitors and employees. He had volunteered to come in on his day off. This kind of dedication and loyalty was remembered by colleagues who spoke at the service.

"Ricardo had the dedication, responsibility and tremendous work ethic that you look for and appreciate in an outstanding employee," said Greg Doyle, director of Buildings and Grounds. "And he had the compassion, gentle nature and thoughtfulness of a kind and caring friend. It's very rare to find this combination of qualities in one person. You just wish you could put them in a can and hand them out to everyone."

Diaz began his 12-year career at the MGH in Environmental Services, where he started as a housekeeper and was promoted twice before transferring to Buildings and Grounds, where he worked as an auto mechanic. According to Bill Banchiere, director of Environmental Services and a close friend, Diaz — who was a native of El Salvador — was a mentor and resource for other Hispanic employees at the MGH.

"He brought people together. He showed that through hard work and education, people at any level of this hospital can move up," said Banchiere, who delivered his remarks in Spanish. "He set an example for so many of us. He inspired and coached people to work hard, seize opportunities and succeed. He enriched the lives of the people he touched. On behalf of all of your friends at the MGH, thank you, Ricardo. We miss you so much."

Those sentiments were echoed by other colleagues who spoke at the service, such as John Mazurkiewicz of the MGH Metal Shop, and Melvin Caban of Environmental Services.

In addition, Jean Elrick, MD, senior vice president for MGH Administration, announced the establishment of the Ricardo Diaz Award, which will be an annual honor given to an employee who demonstrates the same qualities that Diaz had displayed. The monetary award also will include a plaque with the winner's name to be displayed in the Ellison 1 corridor.