Ottawa, May 15, 2009 -- Canadian Blood Services extends its deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the family and many friends of our Board Member, James Kreppner who passed away on May 14, 2009. A tireless worker and outspoken advocate for those impacted, like himself, by Canada's tainted blood tragedy, James was instrumental in ensuring safety and security were paramount in Canadian Blood Services' mandate.

James' contributions served to improve the lives of countless Canadians; as a member of the Canadian HIV Clinical Trials Network (CTN) Community Advisory Committee; Director of the HIV/AIDS Legal Clinic; a member of the Canadian Association for HIV Research (CAHR); Council Member of the Canadian Treatment Action Council (CTAC); and a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada. After serving as Vice President of the Canadian Hemophilia Society, James joined the Canadian Blood Services Board of Directors in September of 2002, and served as Co-chair of the National Liaison Committee. In these roles, he brought an invaluable perspective to the decision-making of the organization and was instrumental in building trust with stakeholders.

James leaves behind a legacy of having helped shape our organization and the blood system as a whole. Those of us who had the honour and pleasure to work with him will miss his candour, his integrity, and most certainly his dedication. All of us at Canadian Blood Services thank James for his service and honour his memory.

Read what the Globe and Mail had to say about the life of James Kreppner here

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