Editor:
Experiencing a death in the family isn’t usually the best way to get introduced to a community. But in our case, the sudden illness and consequent death of our 92-year-old dad was how we came to know some of the most caring, empathetic and lovely people of Gibsons and Sechelt.
Dr. Gilbert Mansen Ogilvie passed away July 28 after suffering a massive stroke on July 17, just 10 days after moving into his new home beside my sister Moira Cregan, who had moved to Gibsons at the same time.
Neither Moira nor Dad had had time to find a family doctor – we didn’t even know where the hospital was.
On the day of his stroke, Dad was rushed to Sechelt Hospital where we learned the devastating news that this was not a stroke he could recover from. Dad was moved to the Critical Care Unit on the second floor and there we started our long journey towards his final day.
Though our hearts were breaking, every single nurse, dad’s doctor, the care aides, the hospital staff – everyone – found a way to help us through and share a story or a smile. They treated Dad with dignity, respect and great compassion, and everyone’s kinds words and hugs helped us more than they will ever know.
Special thanks for allowing us to bring in our dog Oreo to say goodbye. Though Dad had been pretty well unresponsive that day, when he felt Oreo’s kisses and we placed his hand on her warm fur, Dad’s face lit up in a smile that brought us all to tears. I’m pretty sure this is against “the rules,” but without doubt it was a moment of kindness and respect our family will never forget.
And there is no way we would have made it through this heart-wrenching experience without the care and support of Dr. Daren Spithoff. There are no words to express the gratitude we feel. This level of care for a family he had never met before is the highest form of health care and humanity – a level that should be aspired to at every hospital.
Clare Ogilvie, Whistler
