Doug

NIOSH and CDC have lost a great colleague, mentor, friend, and respected researcher. John Palassis passed away on October 18. John retired from NIOSH in 2010. His efforts over his 33 years at NIOSH produced significant impacts through worker training, outreach to small businesses, and the development of consistent and comprehensive safety and health program standards. He was highly effective in developing solutions and providing joint guidance; this approach has served as a model for other CDC and NIOSH colleagues. In particular, John=92s collaborations involving national programs to educate and protect young workers (e.g., National Skills Standards, School Chemistry Laboratory Safety) have addressed key issues for an important public health audience. His development and promotion of the NIOSH Safety Checklist Program for Schools is one of his legacies. The many persons who had the pleasure of working with John will remember him for his strong faith, his love of family, his tireless work ethic, his warm and friendly spirit, and a life of service to others.