The Abbotsford Hospice Society (AHS) has announced that Gaetan Royer is its new executive director.
Royer has a background in architecture and held management positions in Surrey and Whitehorse. He moved to Port Moody in 2000 as the director of community services, eventually becoming city manager.
Royer left in 2011 to work for Metro Vancouver's parks department before leaving in early 2013 work as a consultant.
He ran for mayor of Port Moody in last November's municipal election but was defeated by Mike Clay.
The AHS board of directors asked Royer to help align resources to serve more families and host more patients upon moving into its new home, Holmberg House, which is currently under construction on the Campus of Care next to Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
Royer's sister passed away at the age of 33 in a warm and welcoming home-like hospice.
To reciprocate for the comfort and support his family received, Royer contributed to Port Moody’s Crossroads Hospice as a volunteer, fundraiser, board member and director of a new Hospice Foundation.
He helped develop a transition strategy similar to what the AHS needs now.
Royer said Holmberg House is a "remarkable facility."
"The fireplace, large windows, balconies … this is exactly the kind of environment that will invite reflection and compassion at the end of a loved one’s life," he said.
He takes over for Bev Brown, who has volunteered her time as interim executive director since June 2014.
Brown has committed to stay in touch with the AHS when she is not travelling abroad.
For more information about AHS, visit abbotsfordhospice.org, "Abbotsford Hospice Society" on Facebook, and Twitter and Instagram (@AbbyHospice).