It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we come together to mourn the sudden passing of UFCW Local 1518 President, Kim Novak.

Kim was more than a union leader, she was a mentor and a friend to many. Her dedication to the betterment of our union and unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of workers will forever be remembered.

People would often ask me “do you guys get along, do you guys even talk?”, Kim and I were certainly different in many ways, but we often shared strategies and ways of dealing with unique situations. Neither of us would hesitate to ask for an opinion or support from the other, and no topic was off limits. We trusted each other.

When Kim became Secretary-Treasurer of Local 1518 she called me to go for coffee. We didn’t have a lot of history and I think we both wanted to see the other’s views on our Locals moving forward. The relationship between 1518 and 247 was complicated at the time, and we both knew it needed to change. Right away I could see she had a different way of looking at things, a new vision for her Local. I think we both left that first talk feeling optimistic about working together and growing our Locals closer. We continued to have those “coffee talks” after we both took on the responsibilities of President. I was amazed by her energy and passion for representing her members. We would talk about everything, and the conversations would always end with an update on our respective families. That’s what makes this so tragic, the impact on her family, whom she loved and cherished with great pride. Kim had a huge impact on her Local, the Labour movement in British Columbia, UFCW Canada and our International Union. She left us far too soon and I will miss our talks and her friendship.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Kim’s family, friends, and all those who, like me,  had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.  We also want to join in and spread Kim’s family’s message to “Do something today to embody how Kimberly lived. Be kind, make someone laugh, lend a hand.”

During this difficult time, let us remember Kim for her passion, activism, and the profound impact she had on the labour movement.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Dan Goodman
President, UFCW Local 247