“Staff who cared for me as I recovered from my stroke came with a range of different knowledge and skills. I volunteer in appreciation of their care.” – Rick.

If you’re visiting Brightshores Owen Sound Hospital on a Friday morning, chances are you’ll meet Rick West. Rick is a retired insurance broker who lives just west of Owen Sound. After recovering from a mild stroke, Rick began volunteering in Day Surgery, greeting and assisting patients and their caregivers. He recently moved to volunteering in the hospital lobby where he can greet and help even more people! “Staff who cared for me as I recovered from my stroke came with a range of different knowledge and skills. I volunteer in appreciation of their care,” says Rick.

For most of his life, Rick enjoyed good health. But about 20 years ago, he was hospitalized with kidney stones. “To say I was extremely well looked after would be an understatement! Hospitalization was new to me then—I had no idea what to expect.” Rick has also had a knee replacement, cancer treatment and other care since then. “The excellent and compassionate staff were no less than amazing,” he added.

Time is short

A life well lived

Beyond the norm

And free to give

The breath of life

Can go at peace

A will shall show

You’re giving still

– Rick West

Recently, Rick informed the Foundation of a gift he has made to Brightshores Owen Sound Foundation in his will. “I hope patients benefit from my volunteering and the gift I have planned—but I’m quite sure that I have benefitted more.”

Rick wrote this short poem to inspire others and express how he feels about life and philanthropy. And if you see Rick on your next trip to the hospital, be sure to say hi!

Learn more about how you could support the future of your hospital by including a gift for Brightshores Owen Sound Foundation in your will, visit our legacy giving page or call us at (519) 372-3925.