This page is dedicated to the memory and accomplishments of David Smith, a member of SEIU Healthcare Michigan, who passed away April 12th, 2008.

David Smith was part of the 40,000 home care workers who joined SEIU in 2005.

He immediately took an interest in the Union and in the contract campaign we launched after the organizing drive ended. Initially however, David was unsure of how to get involved because he couldn't read well enough to read the newsletters and other Union information mailed to his house.

One of the first times we had the pleasure to meet him, he had come into our office. We had recently mailed out a survey to all of our home care members asking them to identify the issues that were most important to them (wages, healthcare, providing the best care for their clients).

David couldn't read the survey well enough to respond but wanted his voice to be heard none the less. So he brought the survey into the office with him and asked one of our organizers to read it to him so he could
respond.

Soon after, David was one of the first students to enroll in the education and training center that we had just launched. He was determined to not only learn to read, but to earn his GED.

Around the same time, David became a Member Organizer working in the office part time. He helped greet visitors and made the office welcome for members who were coming in. Soon enough, we saw him in the office early for his shifts with the New York Times spread out in front of him.

No matter if it was a geometry home work or an essay project for class, David gave it his all. His progress as a student was amazing and inspirational.

David continued on as an Member Organizer and earned a reputation as a legend on the phones and the doors. It was amazing to watch him make turnout calls or talk to workers in their homes, galvanizing them to become involved in their Union. That’s how engaging he was, how passionate he was about his union and how powerful he was as a human being.

Before long, David had created a huge network of home care providers in Detroit. The member picnic he hosted at his house last summer was truly a remarkable event.

David never let anything get in his way of his advocacy for workers rights, his strong belief in improving our communities or his sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest days.

David passed away doing what he loved, being involved in our continuing struggle to improve the lives of workers and their families, shortly after a rally to give healthcare workers the right organize in Ohio.

He has set the example for dedication, conviction and the indomitable spirit to leave this world a better place than we found it.

He will always truly be with us in heart, mind and spirit.

In the days ahead, we’ll be discussing ways to honor his life and his dedication to his fellow workers. If you have thoughts on how we can honor him, please feel free to post it here.
 
We'll continue to post information about services here as well, so please check back regularly.

In Solidarity Forever,

SEIU Healthcare Michigan