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On Aug. 15, Rashad Lesley-Barnes, patient transporter for BWH Central Transport Services (CTS), lost his life in a senseless act of violence. Just 24 years old, he had been a member of the Brigham family since the summer of 2006. His mother, Pauline Barnes, is also a member of the Brigham family.
Mr. Lesley-Barnes’ colleagues and friends described him as a respectful, kind young man who was a star on the soccer field and the basketball court, where he joined his colleagues on a BWH team. He was also a talented dancer, and a devoted – and often-requested – patient transporter. He was studying to become a professional chef.
“Rashad was hard-working and extremely committed to his colleagues and patients,” said Luis Soto, director of Central Transport and Environmental Services. “He always sought to put patients at ease. We have lost a loyal colleague and a friend in Rashad.”
After hearing of Mr. Lesley-Barnes’ death, the daughter of a former BWH patient sent a note expressing her sadness at the news. In 2007, Mr. Lesley-Barnes had transported her mother’s body from her hospital room to the BWH morgue after she passed.
“Rashad transported my mother’s body with such respect; I never forgot it,” wrote the daughter. “It was a great source of comfort to me. ... When we, as patients and families, are vulnerable and unsure of what lies ahead, a good transporter can make us understand that, even if the path is uncertain, we are not undertaking the journey alone. I will miss Rashad but would like to think that he is in a better place, and that those he comforted in their final days are with him.”
A wake and funeral service were held at Morning Star Baptist Church in Mattapan earlier this week. BWHers from many departments attended to honor Mr. Lesley-Barnes’ memory. A memorial service at BWH will be held in September, and a memorial fund has been established in his name (visit “Rashad Barnes Memorial Fund” at www.mafcucreditunion.org).
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his father, Donald Lesley; siblings Michael Tyler, LaDawn English, Dawnessa English, Nilelaya Lesley-Barnes and Tie-Asia Bennett-Barnes; and grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Reflections from Central Transport Colleagues
“Rashad was such a great kid. He was very polite, friendly and always had a smile on his face. If he had a problem, he would come to me and we would talk about it. He got along with everyone. I will miss him terribly.”Shirley Masiello, supervisor
“Rashad always came into work with a smile. I was impressed by how much he had matured. He was always on time and very, very nice.”Susan Sabino, manager
“I would see Rashad transporting patients. He would dance when the patients weren’t looking. He loved to dance.”Jose Hernandez, transporter
“Whenever people got angry about something, Rashad would say, ‘It’s not that serious.’ He was always calm and cool. He probably danced better than he played basketball, and he was a good ball player.””Byron Greer, transporter
“There is nothing bad you can say about Rashad. He never argued, and he always had a point.””Frank Galloway, lead transporter
“He was a person who enjoyed life. He was so respectful and always tried to help. We are definitely going to miss him, here and on the court.”Natasha Jimenez, dispatcher
“He was an amazing kid, very positive. I never saw him sad.”Aileen Perez, dispatcher
19 Comments
Many of my staff have commented to me how extremely helpful and pleasant Rashad was when they would work together to transport a critically ill patient to various parts of the hospital. He would always offer to lift the transport ventilator so that the respiratory therapist would not need to do that, allowing the therapist to keep her or his focus on the patient. He always demonstrated a calm and helpful spirit. He is already greatly missed by my staff.
Rashad was always such a joy to work with. He had a wonderful demeanor and a warm engaging smile. I always loved to see him in the hallways and I will miss talking to him about the next big basketball game. Such a wonderful young man will be missed by all.
I hope Rashad rest in god peace.
While his death was certainly very tragic and unnecessary, it appears that Rashad was a joy and a blessing to a lot of people while he was alive. My condolences go to his family and loved ones. May God bless and keep you all.
He did not need to know you personally to greet and make small conversation. You could tell he was a genuine and respectable person. I wish you well Rashad and may the Grace of God wish upon you true eternal life. God Bless-
As A Mother of two grown sons I cannot imagine my life without them.I want to express my condolences to the family .Their hurt and sadness is in the hearts of anyone who has had a child.God Bless you all.You will be in my prayers. Gloria Rosario-Ruiz
I never had the pleasure of meeting this Vibrate Young Man who is very much loved by everyone. I know his Mother Pauline and his sisters. I've heard SO much about Rashad that I feel like I DID know him. So it was my duty to be there for his Mother to show her my support for her and her Family. R.I.P Rashad!...Just know that you may not be here with us RIGHT NOW!....But you will NEVER be Forgotten.. Love ya Barnes Family!
May the good Lord comfort your family as they mourn your departure from this world and may he hold you dear in his arms until we meet again. We love you, we'll surely miss you, and may you RIP Rashad!
Rashaad was a nice kid...always kind and polite and had an adorable smile. You just knew he was the kind of kid that would make a difference. He will be greatly missed.
Rashad was a nice respectful young man.When I saw him in the hallway and when he drop pt charts off in Ultrasound area he always had a smile on his face. I didn't know him personally. I know his mother Pauline she is a nice person. I have a son and daugther also I know this is tough. May god be with you Pauline and the Barnes Family at this time. God Bless You Gladette
My condolences to his family, may God give them the courage and the peace that will see them through this. I did not know Rashad personally but My nephew worked with him one summer. An Angel has gone home. God Bless always & Forever.
I want to first say my Heart goes out to you Pauline, I consider Rashad as family. With the lost of such a wonderful youth, I hope it's not in vain; but an awaking to Boston residents to speak up about Violence in our communities
I can tell from all the comments what a profound effect this young man Rashad had in everyone's life. It is so hard for family and friends who are left behind to grieve and comprehend the incomprehensible loss and for a mother who has loss a child, it's seems impossible to carry the burden of that loss. Believe that with prayers and time, the rememberance of a once vibrant life will help you to appreciate that you were blessed to have Rashad in your life for the time you had him in your lives and although he is missed he will never be forgotten in your heart, mind and spirit and somehow the good memories will get you through. My condolences to family,friends and his mother, Pauline.
Rashad was the type of boy all mothers hope thier sons turn out to be. He was a pleasure to work with or talk with. I am thankful to have had the chance to know him My deepest sympathy to the family.
I knew Rashad from my years at the Brigham. He was vibrant and helpful, no matter when asked. We enjoyed talking about the Celtics! His mother, Pauline has raised a wonderful family, and instilled in them the sense of caring! Here is a young man truly cut off in the vigor of life...may he rest in peace and may peace be there for the Barnes family!
Rashad,We Love and miss you
Rashard, was a great friend and a great person we had many great memorys on the basketball court in the brigham basketball league, we were always on opposite teams but after competitive games he would be the first to shake your hand win or loose he was a leader and the best player on his team in my eyes, he will be forever missed and never fotgotten........R.I.P RIZZ!!!
I never knew Rashad. But I do know his mom, Pauline. She trained me when I came on here. She brought me comfort when I lost my own grandmother who raised me. My heart goes out to Pauline and her family. It is lovely to see so many writing so many kind words about Rashad. It's giving others a chance to get to know him through these comments. We love you Pauline!
Simply sad. Death is never easy, but I can't imagine what the pain of losing a child feels like, I've known Pauline for many years and my heart and prayers go out to her and her family. A tragic end to a beautiful life, something I'll never understand...R.I.P Rashad, you're dancing in heaven now and forever....
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