The People Behind the Awards
Meet the amazing people who have made these awards possible
Award Honouree Tributes
Dr. Tom Bailey
Dr. Tom Bailey dedicated four decades to caring for others, serving generations of families in the West Shore and becoming President of Medical Staff for Juan de Fuca Hospitals. He was instrumental in developing enhanced medical models for long-term care and served in leadership roles at Island Health, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and universities. His passion for seniors’ care extended to 16 years on Eldercare’s Board of Directors, where he championed continuing education for healthcare workers. Following his death in October 2019, the Tom Bailey Memorial Bursary was established to honor his legacy by supporting students in healthcare programs at Camosun College.
Kully Sekhon Memorial Fund
Kuldeep (Kully) Sekhon was a social worker for more than three decades. She helped thousands of people in her career and had a particularly high regard for seniors and those who cared for them. Known for her advocacy and insight, Kully was a respected mentor and educator in the field of seniors’ health. After she passed away in 2009, her family and friends worked together to establish the Kully Sekhon Memorial Fund to support future generations of caregivers.
Jack Howard Award
The Jack Howard Scholarship in Gerontology was established in 1990 in honour of Jack Howard, President of Juan de Fuca Hospitals (Glenwgarry, Aberdeen, Mt. Tolmie, and Priory) from 1979 to 1990. Jack was also a founding member of the Juan de Fuca Hospital Foundation, now known as Eldercare Foundation. He made lasting contributions to the professional development of care staff and was a strong believer in clear communication and sharing new advances in health care delivery.
Peg Bridges Award
Peggy Jean Baskerville Bridges worked at the Juan de Fuca Hospitals from 1975 to 1989 as a nurse, primarily in long-term care. She was known for her excellence in every aspect of nursing, and her career spanned more than 40 years. Peg worked at Glengarry, Aberdeen, Mt. Tolmie and Priory, and consistently demonstrated compassion, dedication, and clinical skill. This award honours her legacy and lifelong service to seniors.
R.S. Young Award
Dr. Roland Stansfield Young was a renowned chemical engineer whose career spanned the United States, Wales, Jordan, and Canada. He was a published author, chartered chemist, and government consultant who brought deep expertise and intellectual rigour to every role. Established in 1989, this fund recognizes Dr. Young’s support for research and his belief in the importance of ongoing professional development in technology and care.
Rudi Kind Award
Rudi Kind was a founding member of the Juan de Fuca Hospital Society, and a passionate advocate for elder care. He helped operate the Aberdeen, Mt. Tolmie, Glengarry, and Priory long-term care homes, and played a vital role in the transition to the Juan de Fuca Hospital Foundation. Rudi was deeply committed to improving the lives of frail seniors and ensuring care providers had the tools and training they needed to offer a higher level of service.
Ruth A. Gardner Award
Ruth A. Gardner was a Victoria psychologist and social worker who spent her life helping others — especially young people seeking education and personal growth. A bequest from Ruth Gardner established one of Eldercare’s earliest endowment funds, which continues to support students pursuing clinical or applied research in gerontology, with a focus on chronic conditions. Her legacy lives on through the learning and insight made possible by this award.
Funke-Furber Gerontological Research Award
Jeanette Funke-Furber and her husband Robert Furber were long-time supporters of Eldercare and passionate advocates for gerontological research. Jeanette, who served on Eldercare’s board and several committees, also held leadership roles in the Juan de Fuca Hospitals and at UVic’s School of Nursing. The couple created this award in 2010 to encourage innovation, elevate elder care education, and foster research that leads to lasting improvements in seniors’ health.
