Generosity Springs from Strong Community Roots

Ralph Herne’s family roots are planted firmly in Northumberland County, and he’s long understood the importance of having quality healthcare available for the friends, family, and neighbours who reside in this community he holds so dear. 

In 1912, Ralph’s paternal grandparents emigrated from England and settled in the Village of Welcome, where they met and became friends with his maternal grandparents. Through this family friendship, his parents, Reginald and Eva, got to know one another, and their relationship blossomed into marriage in 1935. Reginald and Eva stayed in the community, moving a short distance north to Canton, where they raised three children and farmed for more than 40 years.

Ralph grew up on this Canton farm with his two sisters, Margaret and Patricia. He fondly remembers walking across the fields to get to school in Canton – a much quicker route than taking the road. When the family retired from farming in 1985, they moved to Welcome and following Eva’s passing in 2019, the Welcome home was sold and the proceeds divided amongst their children.

Ralph himself worked in farming as well as in the restaurant business, but the majority of his career was spent as a custodian at Port Hope High School (PHHS). For 23 years Ralph had the pleasure of witnessing new generations passing through and growing up.

Prior to the creation of Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) in 2003, Ralph supported the Port Hope and District Hospital; and when NHH was established, he kept the support for his new local hospital going.

Ralph feels having a well-equipped hospital, available to help those who need it in our community is important, which is why he used his share of the proceeds from the sale of the family home to establish The Ralph, Reginald and Eva Herne Endowment Fund for NHH Foundation. This was a way for Ralph to both honour the memory of his late parents, who each received care at NHH, and to give back to the community that means so much to him.

When asked why NHH is important, it is the community feel of the hospital he highlights, sharing, “It takes good care of patients, with good nurses and doctors, friendly staff and volunteers.”

“People are always there to help you find where you need to go,” he adds.

In addition to establishing this generous endowment fund, Ralph also has planned a gift to NHH Foundation within his Will. It’s clear that from his strong community roots, a love for and generosity towards the health of his community has sprung.

Thank you for helping MAKE CARE BETTER, Ralph!