Lessons from David Neill

David Neill always did what was right. But even more important is that he always did it the right way. And our entire community is better because of David- and always will be.

David joined the Board of the Brantford General Hospital in 1988 and became Chair in 1996. When his tenure was complete he moved over to the BGH Foundation Board and was volunteer president before he suddenly passed away last week vacationing in the south.

For 20 years the BGH was David's second home. He was always at the 7:30 AM meetings in the boardroom; then made it back for the late-afternoon and evening working sessions. With his wife, Margot, at his side, David attended countless social functions and fundraisers. During the busy week leading up to Christmas he joined our staff holiday lunch; then the following evening was on stage at the Sanderson Centre accepting a cheque and serving punch afterwards to donors. Christmas morning Margot and David joined Rotarians caroling throughout the hospital to cheer patients. Before they flew south David dashed in to the Foundation office for more meetings and signed more thank you letters to donors.

David Neill played a key role raising $24-million to build the D-wing 7-story tower. He was alongside the Rizzo family securing $3-million to bring MRI to the BGH. Even though David had to travel out of town for an MRI for himself, he looked forward to the day that others could remain in Brantford to have theirs. He attended gamma party's to raise money to purchase expensive equipment for the BGH nuclear medicine program; he hosted Ferrero chocolate parties to raise even more money for our patients.

The City of Brantford recognized David's skills and appointed him to lead the physician recruitment task force with Jean Anderson, another BGH booster. Today, there are residents in our community that have a physician because of David. He went to the wall for everyone- even if he didn't know you.

To know David was to know that the Brantford General Hospital was his passion. He would always point out that healthcare must be at the forefront of Brantford. I can still hear David extolling the importance of a modern, state-of-art community hospital equipped to the nines with the latest medical technology to help everyone in their time of need. David knew a progressive community hospital is what is needed to compete to attract the best minds and talent to practice medicine in Brantford. As part of David's legacy we can never forget this wisdom; more people need to carry his baton.

David Neill's untiring efforts are now my memories. His actions mean that my family will have better healthcare when we come to the hospital- the same for you and your family. Today in Florida there are people whose lives are better because of David's selfless donation of his organs. This is the very essence of David.

To honour David, take a moment today and do as he always did: do the right thing, the right way. Consider the old proverb: ‘You cannot do a kindness too soon. You never know how soon will be too late.'

David Neill has left an indelible mark that will last forever. God bless him and his family.

Gary Chalk is senior executive director of public affairs & development for the Brant Community Healthcare System. Brantford General is a regional health centre providing primary, emergency and specialized services. The Willett, Paris is a multi- service health centre providing urgent care, primary care and community outreach programs.