Phil Rauch (1966 - 2004) - CAS

C’est avec grande tristesse que nous vous annonçons le décès soudain de Phil Rauch.

Nous nous souviendrons de l’engagement exceptionnel de Phil ainsi que sa contribution dans la lutte contre le VIH-sida. Aussi remarqué fut son engagement envers nos communautés affectées, particulièrement celles de sa province natale, l’Alberta.

Un chef de file auprès d’organisations locaux, régionaux, provinciaux et nationaux, Phil travaillait dans le domaine du VIH-sida depuis 1995 et fut le directeur générale du « Central Alberta AIDS Network Society (CAANS) » depuis 1999. Il fut représentant régional des Prairies sur le Conseil d’administration de la Société canadienne du sida de 2001 à 2002. Il fut aussi président du « Alberta Community Council on HIV (ACCH) » de 1997 à 2001, membre fondateur du « Alberta Community HIV Fund » en 1998, directeur générale du « Lethbridge HIV Connection » de 1995 à 1999, représentant sur le comité consultatif du sida du Ministère de la santé et bien-être de l’Alberta de 1998 à 2003. Il a aussi été impliqué dans plusieurs organisations et comités locaux.

Phil cru passionnément à la justice sociale et fut activement impliqué dans les enjeux reliées à la pauvreté, les dépendances, et les conflits avec la loi. Phil concentrait ces énergies dans les domaines du VIH, de l’hépatite, des dépendances, de la réduction des méfaits, de la gouvernance et de la gestion d’organisations à but non lucratifs. Il travaillait la communauté autochtone, les prisonniers, les utilisateurs de drogues injectables, la communauté gaie et lesbienne, et les sans abris.

Nous nous souviendrons de son habilité à développer un consensus et de son habilité à faciliter la médiation entre des dépositaires d’enjeux divers et souvent compétitifs. Phil à créé un soutien communautaire pour des programmes controversés tels que les échanges de matériel d’injection stérile, les programmes d’entretien à la méthadone et l’éducation sécuri-sexe et était très connu comme la voix des populations marginalisées de Red Deer et des environs.

Phil est survécu de son épouse, Val et ces deux enfants, Alex et Kate

(avec remerciements au « Central Alberta AIDS Network »)

“My commitment to adding to the social capital of our community has taken many forms. In every instance I have been motivated by the words of Margaret Mead who said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” (Phil Rauch, February 2004).

Phil Rauch will be remembered for his outstanding commitment to the non-profit sector. He was an executive director with over fifteen years of community experience with local, regional, provincial and national non-governmental organizations. Phil was a passionate believer in social justice and was actively involved in many local initiatives that address the needs of the most marginalized in our society; especially those with issues related to poverty, addictions and conflict with the law. Phil focussed his energy on the areas of HIV, hepatitis, addictions, harm reduction, non-profit organization governance and management, and working with the Aboriginal community, prisoners, injection drug users, the gay and lesbian community and the homeless.
He is remembered for his ability to develop consensus and facilitate mediation among diverse and often competing stakeholders. Phil created community support for controversial programs such as needle exchange, methadone maintenance and safer sex education and was well-known for being a voice for marginalized populations in Red Deer and area.

He worked extensively in the field of HIV/AIDS since 1995 and was the executive director of the Central Alberta AIDS Network since 1999.
He was chair of the Alberta Community Council on HIV (ACCH) from 1997-2001 and founding member of the Alberta Community HIV Fund in 1998. He was the prairie board representative for the Canadian AIDS Society from 2001-2002 and prior to relocating to Red Deer he was the executive director of the Lethbridge HIV Connection from 1995-1999. Provincially, Phil was a representative on the provincial Minister of Health and Wellness’ Advisory Committee on AIDS from 1998-2003.

His local involvement included being a founding member of the Central Alberta Addictions Consortium in 2000, a founding member of the Safe Harbour Society in 2001, founding member and Red Deer representative for the Alberta Housing Coalition in 2002-2004, vice chair of the Residential Society of the Red Deer from 2002-2003, member of the Red Deer Housing Management Committee from 2000-2004, a member of the Red Deer Leadership Network Alumni from 2002-2004, a board member of the John Howard Society of Red Deer from 1999-2004, and chair of the Helping Hands, Mobile Outreach Advisory Consortium from 2001-2004.

Phil was instrumental in the creation of the Central Alberta Methadone Program and a well-known advocate of expanding addiction services in Central Alberta, including the development of a detox centre and shelter program.

His wife Val, and two children, Alex and Kate in addition to numerous family members and friends, survive him.

The Rauch family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Phil Rauch Memorial Fund or to any Central Alberta charity. Donations for the Phil Rauch Memorial Fund can be made at any local Community Savings branch with all proceeds benefiting the family. Donations for the Phil Rauch Memorial Fund will also be accepted at the memorial service.

(with thanks to « Central Alberta AIDS Network »)

Phil Rauch (1966 – 2004)

Phil Rauch (1966 – 2004)