Standing on the Shoulders of Those Who Came Before Us: Past Chairs Unite at the New Hospital Site to Reflect on Legacy and Celebrate Progress

 The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation welcomed several Chair Alumni to the site of the new PECMH for a gathering that honoured four decades of leadership, dedication, and community advocacy.

Past chairs and their families joined representatives from the PECMH Foundation, the Back the Build Campaign Cabinet, and Quinte Health for a group photograph and an opportunity to connect, reminisce, and reflect on their shared journey guiding the Foundation through amalgamation, building upgrades, acquisition of medical equipment, a pandemic and the ultimate redevelopment of PECMH. Their visit marked a meaningful moment in the Foundation’s forty-year history, bringing together the individuals whose leadership helped move the hospital project from a vision to reality.

One of the most heartfelt takeaways of the gathering was the recognition of Donald Stanton Sr. He, along with Edward (Ted) Rutter and Donald Walker, were the three founding members of the Foundation, who signed the letters of incorporation 40 years ago, on July 23, 1985. Without their vision and foresight, there would not be a Foundation today. Having his family present to share in this occasion made the celebration even more memorable.

Throughout the visit, Past Chairs exchanged stories from their time serving the organization—memories of early planning meetings, long hours spent championing community support, key campaign milestones, and the perseverance required to sustain momentum over many years. Many described the hurdles and challenges along the way, as well as the sense of accomplishment they felt seeing the new hospital rising from the ground.

Above all, the group expressed deep pride and gratitude. Some reflected on how far the project has come; others spoke about the leaders, volunteers, and donors who inspired them. Collectively, they highlighted a shared theme of continuity—each leader building upon the work of the last, united in the belief that the people of Prince Edward County deserve exceptional, modern healthcare close to home.

Peggy Payne, current chairperson of the PECMH Foundation Board, thanked the Former Chairs for their unwavering commitment. “Each of the leaders who have served as Chair helped carry this project forward,” said Payne. “Through their passion and leadership, PECMH has remained a community priority, year after year.” She added the Foundation’s success is also a testament to the many volunteers whose dedication and generosity continue to lift this work every day.

“Hearing the reflections of our previous Chairs was incredibly moving. Their dedication and determination shaped the path we are on today,” said Shannon Coull, executive director, PECMH Foundation. “We are truly standing on the shoulders of those who carried this vision through changing times, and it is inspiring to see the pride they feel as the new hospital becomes a reality.”

The Foundation also honoured the memory of Past Chairs who are no longer with us—including Ted Rutter, Don Walker, Evelyn Drew, Dan Clark, Randy Claxton, and June Surgey, along with others whose contributions continue to be felt in the community.

With construction underway, PECMH Foundation remains committed to advancing the fundraising efforts that will support a modern, patient-centred hospital built on decades of leadership and community support.

The Foundation would like to acknowledge all individuals who have served as Chair over the years, recognizing the continuity of leadership that has sustained our efforts:

• Ted Rutter
• Don Walker
• Evelyn Drew
• Dan Clark
• Randy Claxton
• June Surgey
• Mark Davis
• Herbert Stone
• Donald Stanton Sr.
• Larry Matheson
• Leo Finnegan
• Monica Alyea
• Barbara McConnell
• Peggy Payne

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting Quinte Health in raising funds to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County and patients of the hospital.