Celabrating a Life
http://www.emslive.com/articles/8/1/Celabrating-a-Life/Page1.html
John Bignell
John Bignell started his career in broadcasting as the producer and co-host of the Internet’s first paramedic podcast, EMS Live. Taking the experience gained there, he co-founded Podcast Plus a creative communications agency focusing on consulting businesses, charities and associations on the use of cutting edge communications which are becoming a mainstream part of organization’s internal and external communication strategies. He has also been featured in various publications, national radio programs and podcasts in Canada and the United States. When breaking free of the office, you’ll find him in nature, camping, hiking, geocaching, mountain biking, surfing, and sailing. By John Bignell
Published on 03/22/2008
When
I talk about some of my funniest memories that I have in EMS, more
often than not, Randy's name would appear. He had such a dry sense of
humor that kept everyone in the room interested. For me, as a young
student in high school, it was Randy's stories and comments about EMS
that help shape my views and perspective on emergency services.
When I was still in high school, I spent my march break riding along on the south shore of Nova Scotia.
I worked with many different people that week and it was their passion
for EMS that help me choose my professional path to become an Advance
Care Paramedic today. Unfortunately, this month one of the most
memorable people that I spent a lot of time with during my first
experience in EMS took his life on March 8, 2008.
When I talk about some of my funniest memories that I have in EMS, more often than not, Randy's name would appear. He had such a dry sense of humor that kept everyone in the room interested. For me, as a young student in high school, it was Randy's stories and comments about EMS that help shape my views and perspective on emergency services.
Now, whenever a paramedic student joins us as part of their educational requirement, I find myself reflecting back to my first week in EMS and the advice and wisdom that was shared with me. It's easy to forget the impertinence of being a preceptor and the lasting impressions we leave with our students. After a week of being the brunt of every joke and verbally abused as the station rookie, it was to my surprise when I was pulled aside by Randy just before I left to go back to high school. It was his uncharacteristic positive comments about the past week that made me want to begin training for a career in EMS. I have often wondered what I would be doing today if Randy hadn't taken the time to talk to me and share his thoughts on EMS.
I may never truly understand the choices that Randy made in life. For me I will remember the man that had such a passion for fire and EMS and could never see himself doing anything other than serving his community. Here is a short video celebrating the life of Randy Neily.
NEILY, Randy Ernest - 51, New Harbour, passed away Saturday March 8, 2008, at home. Born in Berwick, he was a son of Colin (Eileen) Neily, Powell River, B.C., and the late Beulah (Zinck) Neily. He is survived by brother, Richard (Catherine) Neily, Falmouth, and their children, Joel (Irene Ferrara) Neily, Windsor; Lacey Neily, Calgary, Alta.; brother, Ryan (Catherine) Neily, Halifax; sister, Lorelei (Garnet) Becker, Powell River, B.C., and her children, Leah, Richard, Cory and Lisa Becker; special family friends, Philip and Dawn Publicover, Blandford; Patrick Trider, Hantsport. Cremation has taken place and a family service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Blandford and Area Fire Rescue. On-line condolences can be made at: www.rawalker.ca
When I talk about some of my funniest memories that I have in EMS, more often than not, Randy's name would appear. He had such a dry sense of humor that kept everyone in the room interested. For me, as a young student in high school, it was Randy's stories and comments about EMS that help shape my views and perspective on emergency services.
Now, whenever a paramedic student joins us as part of their educational requirement, I find myself reflecting back to my first week in EMS and the advice and wisdom that was shared with me. It's easy to forget the impertinence of being a preceptor and the lasting impressions we leave with our students. After a week of being the brunt of every joke and verbally abused as the station rookie, it was to my surprise when I was pulled aside by Randy just before I left to go back to high school. It was his uncharacteristic positive comments about the past week that made me want to begin training for a career in EMS. I have often wondered what I would be doing today if Randy hadn't taken the time to talk to me and share his thoughts on EMS.
I may never truly understand the choices that Randy made in life. For me I will remember the man that had such a passion for fire and EMS and could never see himself doing anything other than serving his community. Here is a short video celebrating the life of Randy Neily.
NEILY, Randy Ernest - 51, New Harbour, passed away Saturday March 8, 2008, at home. Born in Berwick, he was a son of Colin (Eileen) Neily, Powell River, B.C., and the late Beulah (Zinck) Neily. He is survived by brother, Richard (Catherine) Neily, Falmouth, and their children, Joel (Irene Ferrara) Neily, Windsor; Lacey Neily, Calgary, Alta.; brother, Ryan (Catherine) Neily, Halifax; sister, Lorelei (Garnet) Becker, Powell River, B.C., and her children, Leah, Richard, Cory and Lisa Becker; special family friends, Philip and Dawn Publicover, Blandford; Patrick Trider, Hantsport. Cremation has taken place and a family service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Blandford and Area Fire Rescue. On-line condolences can be made at: www.rawalker.ca