Gathering at new hospital site honours four decades of leadership

At the gathering in front of the new hospital build, from left, are: Herb Stone, Monica Alyea, Donald Stanton Sr., Barbara McConnell, Leo Finnegan, Larry Matheson and Peggy Payne.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation welcomed several chair alumni to the site of the new hospital for a gathering that honoured four decades of leadership, dedication, and community advocacy.

Past chairs and their families joined representatives from the PECMH Foundation, the Back the Build Campaign Cabinet, and Quinte Health for a group photograph and an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and reflect on their shared journey guiding the foundation through amalgamation, building upgrades, acquisition of medical equipment, a pandemic and the ultimate redevelopment of PECMH.

Their visit marked a meaningful moment in the foundation’s 40-year history, bringing together the individuals whose leadership helped move the hospital project from a vision to reality.

One of the most heartfelt takeaways of the gathering was the recognition of Donald Stanton Sr. He, along with Edward (Ted) Rutter and Donald Walker, were the three founding members of the foundation, who signed the letters of incorporation 40 years ago, on July 23, 1985.

Throughout the visit, the past chairs exchanged stories from their time serving the organization—memories of early planning meetings, long hours spent championing community support, key campaign milestones, and the perseverance required to sustain momentum over many years.

Many described the hurdles and challenges along the way, as well as the sense of accomplishment they felt seeing the new hospital rising from the ground.

Above all, the group expressed deep pride and gratitude. Some reflected on how far the project has come; others spoke about the leaders, volunteers, and donors who inspired them.

Collectively, they highlighted a shared theme of continuity—each leader building upon the work of the last, united in the belief that the people of Prince Edward County deserve exceptional, modern healthcare close to home.

Peggy Payne, current chairperson of the PECMH Foundation Board, thanked the former chairs for their unwavering commitment.

“Each of the leaders who have served as chair helped carry this project forward,” said Payne. “Through their passion and leadership, PECMH has remained a community priority, year after year.” She added the foundation’s success is also a testament to the many volunteers whose dedication and generosity continue to lift this work every day.

“Hearing the reflections of our previous chairs was incredibly moving. Their dedication and determination shaped the path we are on today,” said Shannon Coull, executive director, PECMH Foundation. “We are truly standing on the shoulders of those who carried this vision through changing times, and it is inspiring to see the pride they feel as the new hospital becomes a reality.”

The foundation also honoured the memory of chairs who are no longer with us—including Ted Rutter, Don Walker, Evelyn Drew, Dan Clark, Randy Claxton, and June Surgey, along with others whose contributions continue to be felt in the community.

The foundation acknowledges all individuals who have served as chair over the years, recognizing the continuity of leadership that has sustained its efforts:
Ted Rutter
Don Walker
Evelyn Drew
Dan Clark
Randy Claxton
June Surgey
Mark Davis
Herbert Stone
Donald Stanton Sr.
Larry Matheson
Leo Finnegan
Monica Alyea
Barbara McConnell
Peggy Payne

With construction underway, the PECMH Foundation remains committed to advancing fundraising efforts to support a modern, patient-centred hospital.