An Okanagan man who shared a powerful and emotional story about workplace safety has died.
Kerry Laramee died on Wednesday due to terminal lung disease. Before dying, Laramee told Global Okanagan that he had been a former construction worker, and believes that breathing in dust particles during his career proved to be fatal.
A family friend told Global Okanagan about Kerry’s death, stating his wife was at his side and “he is at peace now.”
His wife, Debra, said he died from silica-induced systemic scleroderma. Debra also said her husband, an avid pool player, tried to get a lung and liver transplant a few years ago, but was denied, as he may not have survived the surgery.
Laramee said the first signs that something was wrong health-wise popped up in the mid-1990s.
“I thought I was having a heart attack, but it was on the wrong side. I went to KGH and they said I have a black spot on my lung,” he recalled.
Laramee said he kept on working despite the prognosis because he feared losing his job, stating “If I made waves, I would be fired.”
As his final days drew near, Laramee said he wanted others in work environments with risk to speak up.
“People do have a voice,” he said. “They can say no to their employer without the threat of being fired.”
The funeral has been scheduled for Friday, September 14th, 11 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Church, 839 Sutherland, Ave., Kelowna.
Also, a celebration of life is being planned at the Army and Navy in Kelowna, though no date has been set. Laramee was a veteran, having served with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
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