Submitted. The Abbotsford Hospice Society (AHS) is excited to announce Gaetan Royer as the Abbotsford Hospice Society’s new Executive Director. As an urban planning consultant and former city manager, Gaetan brings significant ‘change management’ experience to the AHS at a time of transition.
The AHS Board of Directors asked Gaetan to help align resources with the primary objective of serving more families and hosting more patients upon
moving into the AHS’ new home, which is currently under construction. Gaetan’s sister passed away at the age of 33 in a warm and welcoming
home-like hospice. To reciprocate for the comfort and support his family received, Gaetan contributed to Port Moody’s Crossroads Hospice as a
volunteer, fundraiser, Board Member and Director of a new Hospice Foundation. He helped develop a transition strategy similar to what the AHS
needs now.
At the end of his tour of the Holmberg House construction site, Gaetan stated “This community and the Hospice Society are building a remarkable facility. The fireplace, large windows, balconies… this is exactly the kind of environment that will invite reflection and compassion at the end of a loved one’s life.”
The AHS would like to thank Bev Brown for volunteering her time as interim Executive Director since June of 2014. Bev provided valued strategic expertise and the Board, staff, and volunteers really enjoyed the positive impact she had.
“We were very lucky to have such an accomplished leader volunteer her time to help strategically align our society as we prepare for the next chapter in our history. Bev really wanted to give back to the community she was raised in and we were fortunate it included us,” says David Turchen, AHS Chair.
Bev has committed to stay in touch with the AHS when she is not traveling abroad.
To learn more about the AHS, visit www.abbotsfordhospice.org and follow the AHS on Facebook (/AbbotsfordHospiceSociety) and Twitter and Instagram (@AbbyHospice)
About Holmberg House
Holmberg House, a 30,000 sq. foot hospice named in honour of Dave Holmberg Jr., who passed away in 2011 at the age of 48 years, will provide dignified end-of-life care to adults as young as 19. Design elements, such as a restorative garden, music, and art therapy rooms are just a few of the serene elements that will contribute to creating a comforting and warm setting, embodying the universal characteristic of hospice care.