HFS administration accused of failing to recognize employee's death

Arturo “Art” Bachicha may be an unfamiliar name for students. Yet his description by a close co-worker as “the big guy in the purple shirt who empties the garbage” may ring familiar to those who frequent the Husky Den.

On Nov. 30, 2007, at 10:15 p.m., Bachicha succumbed to a bacterial infection, and co-workers believe his death was not formally recognized and respected by HFS administrators.

Bachicha was 50 years old when he died and had devoted 22 years of work to the UW.

Housing and Food Services (HFS) administrators, however, claim to have followed standard procedure in the event of an employee’s death.

“We recognized Art in the same way we've recognized anyone we've lost over the years,” HFS Director Paul Brown said.

HFS normally informs employees of locations and times of services for deceased employees, and Brown claims this procedure was followed in Bachicha’s case.

Cheryl Ewaldsen, assistant director for human resources for HFS, also attended a memorial or service for Bachicha, Brown said.

“I believe [Ewaldsen] had a conversation with the mother,” Brown said.

In an anonymous letter submitted to The Daily, one frustrated observer pointed out that an HFS employee met with HFS administrators and asked if HFS could assist Bachicha’s family by possibly donating a few food platters to the funeral reception.

“He was told that HFS could do nothing because as a state entity they cannot donate anything,” according to the letter. “Food is considered property of the state of Washington.”

The writer recalled several times when HFS donated food in the past and described how Vennie Gore, former associate director of HFS, received a “huge” going-away party that included a life-size cardboard cutout of him when Gore was offered a position with the University of Michigan.

“I don't know where all that came from,” Brown said when asked about Gore’s reception.

Co-workers upset with HFS’ policy raised money to help Bachicha’s family pay for funeral expenses.

“I'm not sure how many years [Gore] worked for the University, but it certainly was not as many as Art,” the writer anonymous wrote. “Not to mention the fact that [Gore’s] job was pretty cushy, and he was pulling down at least $100,000 a year. I'm not saying [Gore] didn't deserve a party, but it seems to me if HFS can come up with the kind of money they blew on this party they could provide a couple measly veggie platters or some donuts and cookies for a poor family who has worked so hard for them.”

Adding to the controversy, Bachicha had mostly been a perma-temp employee for the UW, a role that confined him to work just 1,050 hours each year. An anonymous source explained that HFS used to do this to avoid paying most of its employees benefits.

Bachicha started receiving full benefits and was allowed to join the Washington Federation of State Employees union two years ago.

The emotions and memories revolving around Bachicha are still very strong nearly five months after his death.

A close friend and co-worker, who requested anonymity for confidential reasons, recounted his warm personality.

“If I had to pick one word [to describe him], I'd say sunshine,” the co-worker said. “He was like a ray of sunshine on a warm day, and I think about him every day at work. Art was always in a good mood [and] had a great smile and a good joke to tell.”

According to the co-worker, Bachicha also worked in the evenings at Caroline Tavern, where he was equally loved.

“The owner of the tavern threw a wake for Art, and over 300 people showed up,” the co-worker said.

Bachicha touched many lives at the UW, befriending everyone from students and sanitation workers to electricians and delivery drivers, co-workers and friends said.

April Nishimura, a member of the Student Labor Action Project (SLAP), knew of Bachicha through workers in the HUB.

“During winter quarter, about once a week we set up tables with refreshments to show our appreciation for everyone who works at UW,” Nishimura said. “Through this we heard about the great contribution that Art had made to our school, one that many students were oblivious to.”

Art Bachicha is survived by his mother, father, two brothers, an aunt and two nephews. SLAP is planning to hold a memorial for him this month.

[Reach reporter Anthony Shelley at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]