Remembering Bev and Pat Howard

“We’ve received so many messages from people who knew our parents – former CDCI West students my dad taught, colleagues of my mom’s, friends, neighbours, and more – letting us know how they made a positive impact on their lives,” remarks Cathy Howard. “If this donation can do the same, it’s almost like their caring spirit lives on.”

Following the passing of Richard Bevan Howard (Bev) in April 2021, Cathy and her sisters, Judy and Jo, reached out to Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Foundation to coordinate a gift in memory of their parents. Their mom, Patricia (Pat), had passed away in 2000 after a battle with cancer, and the sisters wanted to honour both of their parents with a gift that would make a difference – that would better people’s lives the way their parents had.

Along with donations from friends and family, the three chose to purchase a fume hood for the pharmacy at NHH to prepare chemotherapy medications for patients of the Cancer and Supportive Care Clinic at NHH. This ventilation hood is imperative for preparing chemotherapy drugs to be administered as it helps protect the clinicians from exposure to these powerful and often toxic drugs and helps create a sterile space to prevent any particulates from mixing with these medications.

With Pat working as an Occupational Therapist at Cobourg General Hospital during her life, the importance of local healthcare was something the Howard sisters grew up understanding. Though she sadly never got to see NHH, the vision of one hospital, a state-of-the-art facility easily accessible by the residents of west Northumberland, was one Pat supported.

With Pat working as an Occupational Therapist at Cobourg General Hospital during her life, the importance of local healthcare was something the Howard sisters grew up understanding. Though she sadly never got to see NHH, the vision of one hospital, a state-of-the-art facility easily accessible by the residents of west Northumberland, was one Pat supported.

The sisters further understood the importance of timely quality care through the wellness journey of their fourth sister, Sue, who passed away in 2013. After a brain tumour was discovered during a visit to NHH, the hospital team quickly connected her with a hospital in the Toronto area to begin treatment. Throughout her journey, NHH was the first port of call for Sue, and her family remembers how the team was always there to help – whether that meant treating her themselves or getting her the treatment she needed.

“Our parents always stressed the importance of family,” remembers Cathy. “They raised us to be strong women and they encouraged us to chase our dreams knowing our family was always there, no matter how far those dreams might take us – and this has trickled down to the next generation too.”

Losing a loved one is never easy, and a global pandemic adds a whole other layer to this loss. Earlier this year, with the support of his family and the NHH team, Bev was able to “see” his family members – whether they were in Germany, the UK, Hamilton, or local – virtually to say goodbye before he passed at NHH.

The family appreciated the care and respect Bev received in his final days and the support the team gave them along this journey; they demonstrated a spirit that reflects the community Bev and Pat loved so much. The sisters hope the gift will honour their memory while also playing a positive role in protecting clinicians and benefitting the healthcare journey of many patients.