The John Albert & Laura Graziella Watters Renal Dialysis Unit at the North Bay Regional Health Centre was named Sept. 9 to honour the family of Francis (Frank) T. Watters. Watters made plans to name the renal dialysis unit to honour his parents, adding to the money he gave during his lifetime with a generous donation in his will. The bequest will support fundraising priorities, the hospital said in a news release Oct. 1. “If my father were here today, I think he would be quite pleased with the outcome and be very proud that his parents are being remembered and honoured in this manner,” said John Watters, Frank’s son. “Frank often told us ‘philanthropy is in my blood,’ and it truly was,” said Tammy Morison, hospital foundation president and CEO. “He shared stories about his parents helping neighbours in need despite having very little themselves, and those values stayed with him throughout his life.” “Legacy gifts like this have a profound impact on our ability to deliver exceptional care,” said Paul Heinrich, hospital president and CEO. “Frank’s generosity will benefit patients for years to come through investments in equipment, technology and programs that support patient care.” The hospital said the John Albert & Laura Graziella Watters Renal Dialysis Unit stands as a lasting tribute to a proud North Bay son whose generosity, compassion, and commitment to community will continue to improve the lives of patients and families for generations to come.
