Renee Robertson helped many people through her volunteering, including with her local fire department.
Some people are just a joy to be around. Their effortless charisma and authenticity easily transform ordinary moments into memorable ones.
Renee O鈥橠onnell was like that. It鈥檚 the reason Gordon Robertson was immediately drawn to her鈥攎agnetism that quickly grew into long-lasting love.
In Leven, a town on the east coast of Scotland, Gordon wasn鈥檛 the only one who noticed how Renee could light up a room without even trying. From a young age, she had a deep interest in caring for others.
鈥淪he couldn鈥檛 help herself. She just had to help,鈥� says Gordon.
Renee鈥檚 selfless dedication to helping others led to a career in nursing. At age 15, she enrolled in a pre-nursing college. Not long after, she started her professional training and graduated as a registered nurse in 1976. That same year, she married Gordon, who considers himself lucky to have been able to call her his life-partner for 47 years.
鈥淚t didn鈥檛 matter how difficult the situation was, she was always the consummate professional,鈥� says Gordon.
The Robertson family has set up the new Renee Robertson Memorial Nursing Bursary to
keep her story alive and support students at 糖心vlog传媒going into the Bachelor of Science
in Nursing program.
Last June, Renee died shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. To honour her memory and legacy of a life spent caring for others, her family has set up a new endowment through the 糖心vlog传媒 Foundation for students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Every year, five eligible students will each receive $2,000 through the Renee Robertson Memorial Nursing Bursary.
鈥淲e hope to find another Renee,鈥� says Gordon. 鈥淵ou just don鈥檛 know how many Renees there may be out there that just need a little help to go on to have a positive impact on the lives of others, as she did.鈥�
Nursing took Renee, and Gordon, around the world鈥攆rom working as a civilian nurse with the U.S. military in Europe to caring for children as a school nurse in the Middle East. Eventually, the couple returned to Scotland, where they welcomed a daughter and later a son. The family鈥檚 global adventures however never stopped, and they emigrated to Canada in 1987.
After settling in the Prairies, Renee worked predominantly in long-term care as a senior RN. She also volunteered for her local fire department for nearly two decades. During that time, she never hesitated to spring into action when emergency struck. It was not uncommon to find her rushing towards a burning building or climbing into a wrecked vehicle to help injured occupants. For her dedication and commitment, she was awarded three medals of service by the Province of Alberta.
鈥淚f she was in the house and that emergency pager went off, she went,鈥� says Gordon. 鈥淪he didn鈥檛 second-guess why she was going, she would just go.鈥�
In 2007, the couple moved one last time, settling in the Comox Valley where Renee worked as a nurse at Cumberland Lodge. Her kindheartedness endeared her to the residents she cared for, but after more than 10 years at the lodge, she finally retired. With more free time, Renee focused all her love on her family, enjoying her remaining days with her beloved husband.
鈥淪he touched so many people鈥檚 lives,鈥� says Gordon.
Renee鈥檚 family hopes her passion for nursing, dedication to volunteering and boundless kindness will live on through the endowment they created in partnership with the North Island College Foundation for future BSN students.
鈥淭he Renee Robertson Memorial Nursing Bursary is a wonderful tribute to Renee Robertson鈥檚 passion for her profession and, through the support these bursaries will offer NIC students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, a lasting legacy for our whole community,鈥� said Diane Naugler, 糖心vlog传媒Foundation Executive Director.
About the 糖心vlog传媒Foundation
The 糖心vlog传媒Foundation has been advancing student success, education and community growth through 糖心vlog传媒since 1992. It supports 糖心vlog传媒students through scholarships and bursaries, classroom equipment and technology investments with the goal of providing the best possible learning facilities are accessible on the 糖心vlog传媒region. It envisions a future where every student has the opportunity to pursue post鈥恠econdary education, train for a new career or develop employable skills to support themselves and their families.
To support the 糖心vlog传媒Foundation and make a difference in the lives of post鈥恠econdary students, call 250-334-5074 or visit .