Foundation News
Community Hospital Loses a Friend
Our Dear Friend Fred Waltho.
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The Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation has lost a good friend as Fred Waltho, a man with the closest of ties to the health centre has quietly passed away. Those of us who knew him and of his affiliation to the hospital could not let the moment pass without remembering him with a tribute.
Fred was a quiet man of common means who, along with his wife made Cornwall their home many years ago. The walls of their home are covered with citations and recognitions for military service. Fred's commitment to community and country began well over 60 years ago when he served on the Canadian Destroyer, Saguenay and later the American Destroyer, Niagara. He is one of many veterans to whom we owe so much.
Working for many years in Cornwall, Fred and his wife were community minded people and the volunteer activity of choice was the former Hotel Dieu hospital. For years, they gave of their time to assist and to make those needing health services more comfortable. But following the death of his wife and advancing in age himself, Fred finally had to forego those volunteer activities.
However, his commitment to the hospital remained unflagging and when the call went out for community support, he was there. A man of modest means, Fred nonetheless approached the Hospital Foundation with an astounding $10,000 donation. Some time later, as he was being interviewed for a feature story on the Foundation web site, he announced that an additional $10,000 was forthcoming.
To most, such generosity would be unprecedented, especially from a retired pensioner, but Fred wasn’t done. With the official campaign completed and the focus shifted to the need to acquire new equipment, he once again stepped forward. Understanding the need for such materials in order to best serve the community, Fred once again stepped up to the plate with a further $10,000 donation.
Fred Waltho has left us and we will miss him and yet, he has left a legacy that will long be remembered. Once the massive renovations to the health centre are completed, visitors and patients alike will pass by two, adjoining rooms, each with a plaque as a tribute to a man who made a difference.
Connie Vardy: Executive Director, Hospital Foundation
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