Hospice Board Update

The health of any organization can be measured by the strength of its leadership and governance. Hospice Yukon is fortunate in having had a long history of skilled and passionate board members guiding the ways in which we fulfill our mandate.

At our AGM in May of this year there were some changes to our Board of Directors. Two Board Members moved on and we welcomed several new Members.

With the new season of programming now underway its a good time to introduce our current Board of Directors of both new and longstanding members. Read on to learn a bit about who they are and what brought them to serve with Hospice Yukon…

Patricia McGarr

“I have lived in the Yukon for 35 years with my husband. I have two children in their twenties, both of whom come and go to Whitehorse, depending on the season, and work and education situations. I am a registered nurse with a clinical background in oncology, palliative care and home care. My history with Hospice Yukon goes back to its founding days when I was on the Planning Committee, then the Board and then served as it’s second Program Co-ordinator in the early 90’s. My Governance/Board experience was honed with 17 years as E.D. of the Yukon Registered Nurses Association. It is a great pleasure and privilege to be involved with Hospice Yukon once more.”

Mary Martin

“I have lived in the Yukon for over 30 years, working as a data analyst for YG and as a librarian in different libraries in Whitehorse.

After a long hiatus from serving on boards I am happy to join Hospice Yukon. Although I’ve had no prior experience with Hospice, I am happy to join the Hospice Yukon Board of Directors because of what a well loved and respected organization it is. I look forward to supporting the work of the dedicated staff and volunteers who are the heart and soul of this organization.”

Heather McFadgen

“I am a Cape Bretoner and retired lawyer who has worked on human rights, equality and social justice throughout my career. I think dying with dignity and caring support is an important part of our human rights which are with us  right to the end of our lives.

I have been coming to the Lights of Life ceremony almost every year since my family moved to the Yukon in the early 90’s, sometimes singing through tears as a member of the Persephones. This beautiful and meaningful ceremony has helped me through a series of losses that always seem more poignant at Christmas. Volunteering in my community has always been an important and fulfilling part of my life. Becoming a Hospice Yukon Board Member has been a small but satisfying way to give back to this caring and supportive organization that has helped so many of us work through grief, loss and dying.”

Val Pike

“My story is similar to many other Yukoners’. I arrived in 1979 to work at Whitehorse General Hospital as an RN on the medical ward. Met my husband a few weeks later…fast forward 40 years: married with 5 grown children, three of whom live in Whitehorse. I worked my entire career as a nurse at WGH in a variety of positions. Retired 5 years ago and now have more time to quilt, knit, stay active and volunteer in the community, such as Run for Mom, Mardi Bra, Arctic Winter Games and the PARTY Program (Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth).

As a founding member of Hospice Yukon more than 30 years ago, it gives me great pleasure to be on the Board once again. It is especially rewarding because of the growth this organization has seen and what Hospice Yukon means to the health of our community.  Our dedicated volunteers and staff really embrace the concept of healthy grieving. It is truly an honour to be considered part of this amazing team.”

Alex Kmet

“I first moved to Yukon in 2014 from Alberta, making Whitehorse my home and place of work as a physician in Family Practice, Anaesthesia and Palliative Care.

As a physician with a focus on supporting the dying and their loved ones, Hospice Yukon is an organization dear to my heart for the invaluable service it provides to Yukoners.”

 

We are grateful to these Directors for sharing their skill and passion to help guide Hospice Yukon. Thank you!