Pinoy health-care worker in Richmond passes away due to COVID-19

Valdez was described by his colleagues as a “tireless provider for his family” who worked multiple jobs. (File photo: Christie Totten via GoFundMe page)

A Filipino health-care worker in Richmond, British Columbia passed away due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Warlito Valdez, 47, was found dead by his wife, Flozier Tabangin, inside their home where he was self-isolating after he tested positive for the virus.

The health-care worker passed away last April 5, Sunday, according to the GoFundMe page set up by Valdez’s co-workers to financially support his family.

“It is our hope that the financial contributions will allow Flozier to focus her time and energy on grieving and their daughter,” the page read.

Valdez was described by his colleagues as a “tireless provider for his family” who worked multiple jobs.

He was working at Pendleton House, run by the Richmond Society for Community Living (RSCL), as a residential support worker providing support to people with intellectual and physical abilities.

In a statement, the RSCL said they were “shocked and devastated” when they learned about Valdez’s passing.

“We became aware that he tested positive to COVID-19, which may be related to the incredibly important work he was doing,” it said.

“We grieve the loss of a friend and colleague; RSCL has reached out to Warlito’s family to arrange for any support that we may offer during this difficult time, and we offer our deepest condolence to his family,” it added.

The RSCL stressed that it has been following pandemic control policies since early March to ensure the health and safety of their staff and the people they are supporting. It said they have been practicing social distancing while providing care to their clients and following all recommendations from health authorities.

Meanwhile, Tabangin, who also works as a frontline care worker, told Global News that her husband “died from being a hero” who saved the lives of the residents at the home where he was working. With Valdez’s passing, the widow said her priority now is to look for ways on how to start their lives all over again without her husband.