Skip to content

Glacier View Lodge’s legacy program lights up the Comox Valley Christmas season

Each Christmas, Glacier View Lodge illuminates a tower of lights to shine over the Comox Valley. The lights are a visual representation of respect and remembrance of the many people whose lives have been touched by the services at the Lodge.
27313112_web1_211201-CVR-C-GVLlights-1_1
Julie Smith shares a special moment with her father, Bronco Moncrief. Photo supplied.

Each Christmas, Glacier View Lodge illuminates a tower of lights to shine over the Comox Valley. The lights are a visual representation of respect and remembrance of the many people whose lives have been touched by the services at the Lodge.

“We look forward to expanding our light display this season,” said Liz Friis, director of resident lifestyle & community programs, in a press release. “On Dec. 3, when the lights are turned on, we invite you to think of the people in your lives who have contributed to our amazing community and consider making a donation in their honour or memory to the Lodge’s Legacy of Light fund.”

The “Legacy of Light” (formerly the Book of Lights) fund allows Glacier View Lodge to carry out a project that will give a legacy of comfort to current and future lodge residents.

“We are grateful to the Soroptimist International of Courtenay for supporting this initiative over the past 35 years,” said Friis.

For the past three years, funds from the Legacy of Light campaign have been directed to an interior redesign project. The Lodge is now working with a company that specializes in design for those living with dementia. The goal is to enhance the beauty of the common spaces, make them easier to navigate, and create purpose for some of the smaller gathering areas throughout the Lodge.

As a continuation of this project, the plan is to dedicate funds from this year’s campaign to begin replacing the resident room drapes. New drapes must meet health care standards and support GVL’s goal to create a home-like environment. This is a $100,000 project.

Dedicated to Bronco Moncrief

The lodge dedicates this year’s display to a special man, 94-year-old Bronco Moncrief, who devoted his life to finding ways to improve life for his community of Cumberland and the entire Comox Valley. For over 30 years, he was involved in all levels of local government – as an alderman, then mayor of Cumberland. He served on the Cumberland Hospital board, the Economic Development board, and was the chair of the Comox Valley Regional District. Following a stroke in 2013, he realized it was time for him and his wife Kay to move into a care home.

“Miracle of miracles, two rooms, even in the same wing, came available at Glacier View Lodge on the same day,” said his daughter, Julie Smith. “Dad loves his room, which has an amazing view of the precious mountains where he hunted, fished and cut wood.”

Smith is grateful for the care Bronco receives.

“Caregivers know how to assist him while respecting Dad’s dignity.”

Bronco and his family appreciate the hard work of everyone at the lodge, from care aides, to nurses, housekeepers, bath teams, restorative care and activity aides, food service workers, plant maintenance people and the leadership team. Bronco knows he lives in a wonderful place.

“Glacier View Lodge is truly his home,” said Julie.

The community is invited to support the Legacy of Light fund with a $20 purchase of a light or multiple lights in memory or honour of someone loved. To make a donation see the Canada Helps link in the donation section of Lodge’s website at www.glacierviewlodge.ca