Editor: Honouring the Past, Investing in the Future was the motto of this committee when we set out last year to celebrate Langley Memorial Hospital’s South Tower 50th anniversary.
After months of planning and two special events — a tea for present and former staff, and a barbecue on the hospital grounds for staff and the public — we feel we have accomplished our goal.
Judging from the decibel level at both events, it can be assumed that they were a resounding success.
The excitement of people who had not seen each other for years, but still had so many memories to share, was intoxicating.
And it was gratifying to feel the energy and interest of the present staff as they welcomed Langley citizens to view memorabilia, and tell stories of their association with LMH, particularly the South Tower that has become the cornerstone of the present facility.
However, neither the tea in February nor the recent barbecue could have happened without the help and support of countless individuals.
The Langley Township firefighters; the hospital department managers and staff; volunteers and LMH Auxiliary members and Sodexo staff went above and beyond in ‘assembling and disassembling’ for both events, and we sincerely thank you.
Our thanks also to Mount Lehman Credit Union, J.D. Farms, Aldergrove Credit Union and Fort Langley BIA for the loan of tents for the barbecue; to Five Star Catering and Milsean Caterers for the good food, and to the Inglewood Band for the entertainment at the barbecue.
Thanks to the Langley Times and the Langley Advance newspapers for advertising and covering the events, especially to Times columnist Jim McGregor for his excellent column about our hospital on the hill.
Our special thanks to the two people who guided our committee — Graham Hiscocks of the LMH Foundation and Craig Goulet from Fraser Health Authority; and to Dr. Elaine Mah whose generous monetary contribution towards the celebrations made it all possible.
Our committee has fulfilled its role to honour the past; now we leave it to the LMH staff and future generations of Langley citizens to continue to invest in the future.
Doris Riedweg,
on behalf of the LMH South Tower
50th Anniversary Committee