LITTLE CURRENT – The Little Current site of Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) has received a generous bequest from the Estate of Alvin Ross with the first installment of $375,000. At the request of the Ross family, these funds are to be directed to the Little Current site. According to long-time board members, this is the largest bequest in the Little Current site’s history.
John and Lillian Ross moved to Little Current in the winter of 1954 from their home in Newfoundland. John served as an OPP officer in Little Current, Manitowaning, Mindemoya, Sudbury, Gore Bay and Espanola. He enjoyed his time on Manitoulin where the area reminded him of PEI. Lillian always provided a warm, welcoming home for their family and friends. Lillian passed October 4, 2015 and John passed November 12, 2017.
John and Lillian were parents to two children, Waveline (Wavie) and Alvin. Wavie attended Assiginack Public School and Mindemoya Public School. She went to high school in Sudbury and finished Grade 13 at Manitoulin Secondary School. Wavie went on to receive her Diploma in Nursing in Sudbury in 1975. Wavie spent much of her nursing career at MHC in Little Current.
Lynn Foster, CEO of MHC, recalls, “When I arrived at MHC, almost 16 years ago, Wavie worked as a nurse manager. Like her mother, I suppose, she too was warm, welcoming and always wore a smile. It was clear that nursing was her calling.” Wavie passed away on November 2, 2014.
Alvin attended school in Assiginack and Mindemoya. Alvin began his high school career in Sudbury but soon returned to Manitoulin where he graduated from Manitoulin Secondary School. Alvin studied forestry in Sault Ste. Marie. He then pursued his passion for “big trucks,” working for Manitoulin Transport for the balance of his work life. Alvin passed May 4, 2019.
“It is truly humbling to know that MHC touched the lives of the Ross family to such an extent. We will honour their memory and wishes,” Ms. Foster added.
MHC and the board of directors expressed their sincere thanks to Mr. Ross for the generous gift and his interest in the health of the Manitoulin community.
