Board of Directors
Directors – Arrowsmith Health Care Society as of November, 2023
Susan Farlinger - CHAIR
After five years in the fulltime position of Regional Director General (Assistant Deputy Minister) in Fisheries and Oceans in 2015, Susan worked as a DFO Commissioner for Canada on the Pacific Salmon Commission, leading the negotiations for the renewal of the Annexes of the Pacific Salmon Treaty, primarily the Chinook chapter.
Susan has acquired thirty plus years of operational and policy experience in management, habitat protection, environmental assessment and prioritizes community engagement through her volunteering and support for positive change causes.
Virginia Gibberd
Virginia was born in and commenced her broadcasting career in BC but spent 30 years in Toronto, primarily working for CTV and Rogers, ultimately running their Operations and Engineering division for television. Her expertise is in television production, strategic management and project execution. And she has a love for mentoring folks coming up in the business. She served as president of the board of a youth shelter in a high risk Toronto neighbourhood. She looks forward to contributing to her new community and building lasting relationships.
Louise Tilston
Louise moved to Oceanside in June 2018, after 32 years of living in California where she raised her family and completed her career. She worked most of her career as a public health nurse in both Canada and the US. Growing up, she moved frequently but this is her first time living in BC. Louise serves on the Family Advisory Council for the University of San Francisco Memory and Aging Clinic and was involved in the local Continuum of Care, for many years.
Louise’s husband was a resident in two different long-term care facilities for eight years; before that, she was a care provider at home, for several years. His illness was instrumental in her involvement in this field.
Louise is excited to be living in this beautiful area: she is looking forward to learning more about the area and getting involved. She is passionate about quality of life for all; but, in particular those who are residents of care facilities.
Robert Hawes - VICE CHAIR
A seasoned financial executive transitioning from supporting boards and committees over the last 30 years to serving on and helping develop boards and committees. Robert’s career comprises over 20 years in the Alberta health system following 12 years auditing and advising clients in the SUCH sector, medium-sized for-profits and small not-for-profits.
William Dunlop
Bill has had a long career as a general surgeon for more than 40 years, practicing overseas and then in Canada and the US before retirement in 2011. From 2012-2019, Bill served as a member on the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
Bill kept busy in various roles, volunteering with a local Men’s mission, New Life Prison Ministries while living in Ontario, his local church there, and strata council here in Parksville, all while continually trying to improve his golf game.
Bill and his wife have been married for 46 years and have two daughters and two grandchildren. They are both active in the community and are happy to be back on the Westcoast.
Bill maintains his knowledge of the healthcare system and advocates regularly for fair and equitable services for all long-term care residents.
Lola Denesyk
Raised in the BC Kootenays, Lola enjoyed many years of secretarial and bookkeeping jobs. Following her move to Vancouver Island in 1976, Lola spent 26 years with the Nanaimo School District in administration, including several years as an executive representative of their union. Since retiring in 2002, Lola followed her passions of curling and sewing: serving for many years on the executive of the Nanaimo Ladies Curling club and increasing her commitment and responsibilities with the Parksville Curling Club; as well as the with the Parksville Quilters’ Guild. Lola has ‘retired’ again from executive roles with these organizations but remains a valued member and mentor.