Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Kipp Doane, CCP - 11/06/1949 - 04/17/2009

I wanted to take this time to share with you some sad news. Kipp Doane, CCP, a friend for over 20 years and a member of Trident’s Elite Traveling Team, passed away unexpectedly on Friday (April 17). Kipp was on assignment in Orange County, California at one of our accounts. When he was rushed to the ER after collapsing during the lunch hour at a local restaurant on Thursday, his condition was very grave. His wife, Kathy, and family flew from their home in Austin, TX to be with him. He was pronounced on Friday afternoon. This came as a surprise as he had a complete physical three weeks prior and had received a clean bill of health. The cause of death is still unknown. Because he was out of state, California law requires an autopsy.

On a personal note, most recently, Kipp and Kathy wanted to be near family and moved to their new home in Austin Texas a week ago. Kipp was with Trident at some memorable times of the company’s growth. When the Western and Toronto General merged, Kipp was part of the five member Traveling Team that helped turn around and stabilize things during our two and a half year contract to bring them in-house. Kipp not only helped many of our accounts during vacation and meeting relief, but was also a valued asset in helping hospitals which requested Trident’s help in an emergent locums situation. Kipp was one of those unforgettable characters who was laid back, with a wonderful sense of humor, a ready smile, and who never knew a stranger. He was terrific behind the pump. I will miss bantering with him on matters of mutual interest and always in good spirit. Above all, I’ll remember Kipp as someone who loved his wife Kathy, his children Kendra and Kipp II, and grandchildren Connor, Maya and Macy. He always spoke eloquently about them. He was so proud of them.

It is never easy to pass along this sort of news, suffice it to say that Kipp will be missed. As soon as we receive word of the services, details and arrangements, we will advise.

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Heroes Emerge in Unexpected Places

Sometimes heroes are obvious to us. They are given titles and duties to perform acts of valor. Maybe the obvious heroes of our time don't get enough credit because of our high expectations, but I like to think we can be inspired by heroes of either kind -- those obvious and those who emerge in unexpected ways.

A few months ago, the world was taken aback in awe at Pilot of US Airways Flight 1549, Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger III, who took his responsibility beyond duty to risk his own life in the crash of Flight 1549 on the Hudson River to first, safely land the plane in the Hudson River, then, amazingly, he undid his safety belt and walked the length of the plane to make sure all the passengers were safely outside before seeking safety, himself.

And I think of other heroes who've recently inspired by their bravery... and a common thread, indeed, is how humbly they respond to outpour of celebration by the public to their effort.

Take the case last week of Captain Richard Phillips who traded his own safety to save his crew from the buccaneers who roamed his ship. Pictured is Phillips's wife holding his photo. The news quoted her as saying, "He wanted me to tell you, 'I'm just a small part in this. The real heroes of the story are the U.S. military.'" This hero shrugged off "the mantle of hero" in humble appreciation of others.


These are compelling examples of the character and goodness that reign in mankind. Amid a world full of challenges--from war, to economic decline, to even political disputes, including the tea parties held around the country yesterday (with so little media attention to the outcries of good people trying to arise to the issues against taxation). I pause to think on the difference one person can make that is seemingly small in contrast to the vastness of our world, yet truly grand in its mark in the hearts of minds of regular people who read about and witness such events.

In today's international news was a story about an ordinary British Woman, Susan Boyle, who emerged an everyman's hero this week. If you didn't catch this story, I encourage you to view it for its empassionate effect on the human spirit, which speaks so eloquently to us all. CLICK THIS LINK. In the lyrics of Les Mis's "I Dreamed a Dream," sung by Susan Boyle, these words speak to all of this so eloquently and leave us to ponder even more.... I can't think of a more relevant song choice for this underrated woman who said she'd never been kissed, who dared to imagine a bigger life. The history behind the song resonates. In the Broadway show, Les Mis, the character of Fantine suffers joblessness and destitution. Susan Boyle's passionate performance belts out powerfully about the reality of life's struggles.

But so the story ends... Upon Boyle's uttering her first note, an entire crowd of onlookers were on their feet, cheering in awe at a most unlikely candidate who unexpectedly changed a cultural view about beauty and talent and capacity to be strong.

Looks can be deceiving. The obviousness of heroism isn't always so.

Heroes emerge in unexpected places.

Do you know of any heroes? Comments welcomed.

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
TRIDENT HEALTH RESOURCES, INC.