Island Health and Eldercare Foundation Honour the Late Dr. Tom Bailey With Memorial Garden Dedication and Sculpture Unveiling

Nancy Bailey, the Eldercare Foundation Board, Dr Manville and others pose with the sculpture.

Family, friends and colleagues of the late Dr. Tom Bailey gathered on July 20 to honour Dr. Bailey with a garden dedication and sculpture.   

The Summit at Quadra Village’s courtyard garden was dedicated to Dr. Bailey and a “Circle of Life” bronze sculpture, commissioned by the Eldercare Foundation, was unveiled; to honouring the lifelong commitment of Dr. Tom Bailey and his dedication to caring for others.

The Circle of Life bronze sculpture.

“Dr. Bailey was very excited for the seniors moving into the new Summit at Quadra Village long-term care residence,” said Lori McLeod, Executive Director for the Eldercare Foundation, “and we are thrilled to celebrate his contributions and memorialize his legacy.” 

Tim Orr, Island Health’s Executive Director Long-term Care and Assisted Living, said “Tom was a staunch advocate for long-term care and was instrumental in encouraging leaders to develop a medical model that provides enhanced care for residents and support for the staff team.” 

To honour Dr. Bailey’s legacy of caring for older adults, the Eldercare Foundation worked with his family to create two memorials. 

Dr Manville speaking with Mary Ellen Purkis, Carmella Vezza and Lori McLeod looking on. 

Vancouver Island Sculptors Guild member Steve Milroy was commissioned to create the “Circle of Life” bronze sculpture that is displayed prominently in the courtyard garden at the Summit.  

In recognition of the deep respect Dr. Bailey had for those working directly with very vulnerable seniors, the Tom Bailey Memorial Bursary is held by the Eldercare Foundation and awarded by Camosun College annually.  This bursary is for students in Camosun’s Health Care Assistant, Practical Nursing, and Licensed Practical Nursing programs. 

“Those of us who had the privilege of working with Tom Bailey have lost a friend and mentor, but we have also gained so much by witnessing his integrity, his dedication and his willingness to step up to help wherever help was needed,” noted Lori McLeod.​

Phillip Friesen, Lisa Diamond and Peter Donohoe at the new Cafe Bailey.