In memoriam: Lorna Howes
“Regardless of the situation, she always put it into perspective and made it better for the people around her. It’s hard for me and others who knew her to deal with this great loss.” – Dr Soma Ganesan
Lorna Howes, a long-time leader and friend to many here at VCH, passed away last week, leaving behind a legacy of personal and professional success.
Andrew MacFarlane, who took over from Lorna as Director for Vancouver Community’s Mental Health & Addictions portfolio and worked as a manager under her leadership, says, “Lorna was a balanced leader who supported autonomous growth but also provided direction when needed. She always put the client and family first while balancing the needs of her staff with a sense of humour and positivity.”
Prior to a well-earned retirement in May 2013, Lorna began her distinguished career as a Psychiatric Nurse at Woodlands Hospital, before moving on to positions at Shaughnessy then St. Paul’s hospitals. In 2000, prior to the formation of VCH, she served as Director, Adult Mental Health Services. Just two years later, in 2002, Lorna took over the portfolio of Director, Mental Health Services for both Vancouver Acute and Community, which later evolved to include Addiction Services. The portfolio, which is managed by four directors currently, was weighty and intensely challenging, but Lorna handled the role with her hallmark professionalism that all who worked with her, and knew her, had come to expect.
In 2011, Lorna became VCH’s Director of Housing Services, liaising with BC Housing, the City of Vancouver, and Vancouver Community’s contracted housing agencies and organizations.
Additionally, Lorna was involved with many committees that involved the redeployment of Riverview Hospital, liaising with staff from Provincial Health Services Authority and the Fraser Health Authority. She also oversaw the formation of a new joint VCH/City of Vancouver Hoarding Action Response Team and worked on the City’s task force to end homelessness.
In addition, Lorna worked to create a transgender program that is currently the model for the provincial initiative. She also worked to integrate Vancouver Community and Acute teams to better serve the client.
Apart from Lorna’s impressive professional career, she was also a very well respected member of the Vancouver Community Team.
“Lorna was well-known for her vibrant, no-nonsense personality and ability to get the job done,” adds Dr Ganesan. “She was extremely devoted and hard-working, putting in 10 to 12 hour days, seven days a week, working tirelessly to ensure the best possible care for clients in need. We always used to joke that I saw Lorna more than my own wife, although we were great friends outside of work too. She and her husband loved coming over for my curry.”
Lorna is survived by her loving husband, David, whom staff remember as sending a fresh bouquet of flowers weekly to his wife’s office.
Dr Ganesan adds, “Even after she retired, Lorna gave of her time and energy to fundraise for the future Segal Centre. My only regret is she won’t be there at the opening. She will be missed.”