Retired doctors donate clinic to Riverview Manor
Community leaders, friends and neighbours came together on Oct. 7 to thank Dr. Colin Lockhart and his wife, Joy, and Dr. Bruce Lockhart and his wife, Susan, for donating their former clinic to Riverview Manor.
It was a genuine moment of appreciation, shared by those who understand how much this gift will mean for local seniors and health care professionals.
The brothers, who closed their 1,700-square-foot Bath clinic last year, donated their medical building to the nearby nursing home in August. The site will be “used to relocate office and storage space, (and free) up valuable areas inside the Manor to improve resident care directly,” according to a press release from Riverview Manor.
Known for decades of philanthropy in the community, the Lockharts were on hand at the Bath event to receive the recognition and hear local leaders, board, and community members express their gratitude. The short event began with speeches and concluded with fellowship and cake.
“We want to thank (the doctors) on their generous donation,” said District of Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey. “This is part of their continued ongoing legacy of support to our community. And this will be a great location for the community and the staff. It’s just amazing to see this contribution turned over to Nursing Home Without Walls and Riverview Manor, because they’re an amazing group, and they do great things.”
Margaret Johnson, MLA for the Carleton-Victoria, paid her respects to the doctors for their long record of community involvement and service.
“It’s no surprise that they would give something like this back to the community because they’ve given so much during the course of their careers,” she said. “This is something that’s going to really be a lasting legacy piece. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts for giving us a physical place to bring these resources to the seniors, and like I said, it doesn’t surprise me at all (they would) do something this benevolent.”
Before receiving a symbolic, oversized “key to the manor,” the doctors took some time to speak to those gathered.
“I’ll tell you, our parents – they would say, ‘good job, boys.’ I don’t think there’s any question of that, and that the building’s found the right home,” said Dr. Bruce. “They’d be very proud.”
“We’ve worked hard over the past twelve to eighteen months to make this day possible,” said Nanette Walker, Administrator of Riverview Manor. “This comes from hard work, determination, commitment, honesty — all of which Doctors Bruce and Colin have. We can’t underestimate the value that this building has in the community.”
Walker was appreciative of the generational giving that the Lockhart family has provided to the ecommunity.
“Today we celebrate not only this building, but the people who have made it what it is — those who’ve worked here, lived here, volunteered, supported, and loved it,” said Walker. “This clinic will serve as a reminder of that generosity, that kindness, and that spirit of giving that defines our town.”
Walker said the doctors’ gift extends beyond brick and mortar.
“You’ve given us more than a building — you’ve given us hope, stability, and the ability to carry our work forward for generations to come.”
Riverview Manor in Bath is a non-profit, registered charity that opened in 1981 when a fundraising effort by the Florenceville Rotary Club helped launch the facility. The Manor now participates in the Nursing Homes Without Walls program, enabling it to expand its role beyond traditional long-term care beds by supporting seniors who want to age in their own homes, or preferred residential place.
Nursing Homes Without Walls is a partnership with Healthcare Excellence Canada, the provincial Department of Social Development, and the Research Centre on Aging, aimed at keeping seniors connected, supported, and independent for as long as possible.
