Wilner Jules, a longtime, valued member of the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) family, passed away on February 1, 2015.
Mr. Jules contributed greatly to his community through thirty years of service at HAS, beginning as a health agent in 1984 and working his way up the ranks at HAS, becoming a valued and dedicated member of the Integrated Community Services (SCI) division. Wilner worked in the hospital itself, in HAS community health centers, including the functional unit at Bastien, and recently with community groups in community health messaging, programming, and education. He regularly participated in learning programs to advance his knowledge and skills for the benefit of the hospital and those it served.
“Wilner has been a valued colleague, troubleshooter, and friend in the HAS community, and contributed much over many decades,” remembered SCI Director Dawn Johnson. “The SCI staff is shocked and saddened by his sudden death, and he will be greatly missed.”
Wilner was a proud, long serving member of the Terre Promise Lodge # 57 in Petite Rivière de l’Artibonite and had served in the role of the “Venerable” of the Lodge for the past three years.
The cherished husband of Debbie Berquist Jules, Wilner is mourned by his children Thiabella, Yesmine, and Ivensky and other loving family. His family remembered him for “his gentle smile, ready laugh, and thoughtful silence.” HAS Board member and brother-in-law Bradley Berquist thanked the HAS community on behalf of the Jules and Berquist families. “We thank you for your prayers and kind words of support at this difficult time. We know you are with us in spirit.”
Cards of sympathy may be sent to Debbie Berquist, c/o Brad Berquist, 692 Courtland Place, Burlington ON, L7R 2M6, Canada. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canadian Friends of HAS (cfhas.ca or PO Box 827, 75 Frid St, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3M8, Canada) or to Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (hashaiti.org or 2840 Liberty Avenue, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA).