A final act of kindness: Local man leaves $100,000 legacy at Belleville General Hospital

Gift honours nurses who gave exceptional care. Leaves a lasting impact on their departments.

Local man, Terry Clarke, is continuing to make a difference in the community he loved through a $100,000 gift from his Estate to Belleville General Hospital Foundation.

A special gathering took place at Quinte Health, Belleville General Hospital celebrating his life and generosity.

True to his giving nature, Terry specifically wanted to recognize three nurses who showed him exceptional kindness and support during his visits to the hospital: Sarah Ryckman, Medical Day Clinic; Sunday Lucas and Theresa Kijak, Diagnostic Imaging.

His gift will impact their departments as well as Oncology. Funds are also allocated to purchase priority medical equipment that will support front line nurses and staff.

Additionally, Terry supported the Cancer Clinic at Kingston General Hospital and the Terry Fox Foundation.

“Terry’s gift is such a fitting reflection of who he was,” says Erin Hewitson, Major Gifts Officer, Belleville General Hospital Foundation. “He thought about the people who had made a difference to him and the areas of the hospital where he wanted to make a difference for others. Estate gifts like Terry’s are such a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy.”

He was a very hard worker who held many roles in his life. He was well know as a bus driver for Belleville Transit, a coach driver for Trent-Way Wager, a bartender at the Ramada Inn, employed at Concentrix and sold tickets for the Ontario Lottery Corp.

Terry faced his battle with cancer with the same optimism and determination that defined his whole life. He kept his interactions with friends uplifting, choosing to keep his challenges private so his health would never become the focus of a good conversation or party. Through it all, his resilience shone. With each new medical obstacle, he would say: ‘I have another hurdle to conquer,’ or at times, ‘This one is more of a high jump.’

Lynn Chipps, Terry’s sister, shared he was full of life and so much fun to be around. “He had the coolest stories to tell about some of the crazy adventures he lived through. He had a heart of gold and was always there if you needed him. He gave his time, energy and love generously. Knowing that his generosity will continue helping people at the Belleville General Hospital is incredibly meaningful.”

“During a conversation with me just months before he passed”, continued Chipps, “Terry shared a reflection on his life, saying: ‘I’ve had a wonderful life, awesome experiences, and met so many beautiful people along the way. I am very grateful for the life I’ve been given.’”

While Terry is no longer here to tell his stories, his generosity will continue to touch the lives of those in the community he loved.

Main Photo: Members of Terry’s family, honoured nurses, and BGHF staff gathered for a special celebration.